tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25434269498523607812024-03-14T11:08:25.134+01:00GET SMART!....INFORM..EDUCATE..MOTIVATE..ENTERTAIN..ENLIGHTEN..EMPOWERAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18330021561236640643noreply@blogger.comBlogger229125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2543426949852360781.post-9207210053095313222016-11-14T08:20:00.000+01:002016-11-14T08:20:45.580+01:00Alone With God (OPEN HEAVENS Devotional) <div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b>OPEN HEAVENS Devotional – Monday
November 14<sup>th</sup> 2016<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<b><br /></b></div>
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<b>TOPIC:</b><b><span style="background: white; color: #3366ff; font-family: "gabriola"; font-size: 20.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span>FACING TRIALS OF FAITH?<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<b><br /></b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipNzRpEolJhjPtv_ndqesM0or4HcDjn-PJOMhDuPUuDzP1mIgSZXOAc5EHyQhoPN9KDFITa4Kfq2JGuTOAm6f3QBxNPuD5fbmU16QuBOd_LKGJFCtZRoIXMmbXTSPnPbHuVA9ZTreiS813/s1600/Open+Heavens+2016.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipNzRpEolJhjPtv_ndqesM0or4HcDjn-PJOMhDuPUuDzP1mIgSZXOAc5EHyQhoPN9KDFITa4Kfq2JGuTOAm6f3QBxNPuD5fbmU16QuBOd_LKGJFCtZRoIXMmbXTSPnPbHuVA9ZTreiS813/s1600/Open+Heavens+2016.jpg" /></a></div>
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<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Memorize: These things I
have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall
have tribulation; but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world. John 16:33<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<b><br /></b></div>
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<b>Read: Hebrews 11:36-40<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<b><sup><br /></sup></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><sup>36 </sup>And others
had trial of cruel mockings and scourgings, yea, moreover of bonds and
imprisonment:<sup><o:p></o:p></sup></b></div>
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<b><sup>37 </sup>They were
stoned, they were sawn asunder, were tempted, were slain with the sword: they
wandered about in sheepskins and goatskins; being destitute, afflicted,
tormented;<sup><o:p></o:p></sup></b></div>
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<b><sup>38 </sup>(Of whom
the world was not worthy) they wandered in deserts, and in mountains, and in
dens and caves of the earth.<sup><o:p></o:p></sup></b></div>
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<b><sup>39 </sup>And these
all, having obtained a good report through faith, received not the promise:<sup><o:p></o:p></sup></b></div>
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<b><sup>40 </sup>God having
provided some better thing for us, that they without us should not be made
perfect.<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<b><br /></b></div>
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<b>Bible in one year: Genesis 24,
Psalms 103:11-22<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<b><br /></b></div>
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<b>MESSAGE<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<b><br /></b></div>
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<b>There are several challenges
that will confront us as we progress in the journey of faith, but none of them
will dominate us. As a child of God, when you pass through the fire, the mighty
man in battle has promised that it will not burn you. At one point or the
other, your faith will be tried; your love for God will be tested. There will
be persecutions of all kinds. Because of your belief in Christ, people will say
all kinds of things against you. There will be false accusations despite your
level of commitment to your assignment. No matter how good your intentions may
be, sometimes, they may be spoken of in an evil way. Many times these
tribulations, trials and persecutions will come from quarters you least expect.
You should be bothered because the same people who hailed the triumphant entry of
Jesus were the same people, who said to Pilate, crucify him. Have you been
persecuted because of your faith and your holy living? I congratulate you,
because you are fulfilling your part of the Christian calling. You have to know
that the hostility of the world against believers in Christ Jesus is a
transferred hostility. We are not the first set of people to be hated; the
world hates us because they hated Jesus Christ. Despite the innocence of the
young shepherd boy, king Saul attempted to kill him several times. You need to
know that even in the household of faith, there are king Sauls. They are ready
to kill you, not because you have committed any crime, but because they are
uncomfortable with your standard of righteous living. On several occasions,
Jesus Christ, before his final persecution on earth, was persecuted by the
people listening to Him in the synagogue. They did not like the way He was
preaching with so much authority. And they always rose up against His good
acts. What should you do in times of trials, tribulations and persecutions? You
must rejoice in the Lord. <o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b>When Paul was going through
persecution, rather than murmur and complain, he fellowshipped. No wonder he
could say:<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b>“Who shall separate us from
the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine,
or nakedness, or peril, or sword? Nay, in all these things we are more than
conquerors through him that loved us.” Romans 8:35,37<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<b><br /></b></div>
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<b>He said this despite the fact
that he was beaten with rods, he was stoned, he suffered as shipwreck, and he
was kept in the deep prisons. He suffered in the hands of robbers as well as in
the hands of his countrymen. False brethren also surrounded him. There were
times when situations and circumstances of weariness, hunger, nakedness and the
cares of his missionary obligation threatened to discourage him, yet he
finished well. You will finish well in Jesus’ name. <o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<b><br /></b></div>
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<b>Prayer Point<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<br />
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<b>Father, give me victory over
every trial I come across.<o:p></o:p></b></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18330021561236640643noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2543426949852360781.post-87034310745876783152016-11-04T07:56:00.000+01:002016-11-04T07:56:15.062+01:00Alone With God (OPEN HEAVENS Devotional) <div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b>OPEN HEAVENS Devotional – Friday
November 4<sup>th</sup> 2016</b></div>
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<b><br /></b></div>
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<b>TOPIC:</b><b><span style="background: white; color: #3366ff; font-family: "gabriola"; font-size: 20.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span>ENSLAVED BY FALSEHOOD?<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipNzRpEolJhjPtv_ndqesM0or4HcDjn-PJOMhDuPUuDzP1mIgSZXOAc5EHyQhoPN9KDFITa4Kfq2JGuTOAm6f3QBxNPuD5fbmU16QuBOd_LKGJFCtZRoIXMmbXTSPnPbHuVA9ZTreiS813/s1600/Open+Heavens+2016.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipNzRpEolJhjPtv_ndqesM0or4HcDjn-PJOMhDuPUuDzP1mIgSZXOAc5EHyQhoPN9KDFITa4Kfq2JGuTOAm6f3QBxNPuD5fbmU16QuBOd_LKGJFCtZRoIXMmbXTSPnPbHuVA9ZTreiS813/s1600/Open+Heavens+2016.jpg" /></a></div>
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<b><br /></b></div>
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<b>Memorize: Lying lips are
abomination to the Lord: but they that deal truly are his delight. Proverbs
12:22<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Read: Genesis 3:1-6,<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<b><sup><br /></sup></b></div>
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<b><sup>1 </sup>Now the
serpent was more subtil than any beast of the field which the Lord God
had made. And he said unto the woman, Yea, hath God said, Ye shall not eat of
every tree of the garden?<sup><o:p></o:p></sup></b></div>
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<b><sup>2 </sup>And the
woman said unto the serpent, We may eat of the fruit of the trees of the
garden:<sup><o:p></o:p></sup></b></div>
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<b><sup>3 </sup>But of the
fruit of the tree which is in the midst of the garden, God hath said, Ye shall
not eat of it, neither shall ye touch it, lest ye die.<sup><o:p></o:p></sup></b></div>
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<b><sup>4 </sup>And the
serpent said unto the woman, Ye shall not surely die:<sup><o:p></o:p></sup></b></div>
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<b><sup>5 </sup>For God doth
know that in the day ye eat thereof, then your eyes shall be opened, and ye
shall be as gods, knowing good and evil.<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<b><sup>6 </sup>And when the
woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was pleasant to the
eyes, and a tree to be desired to make one wise, she took of the fruit thereof,
and did eat, and gave also unto her husband with her; and he did eat.<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Bible in one year: Revelation
12-15, Psalms 94<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<b></b></div>
<a name='more'></a><b><br /></b>
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<b>MESSAGE<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b>There are dangerous traps of
the devil set to derail people from inheriting their possessions in Christ
Jesus. There are many people who have been deceived and enslaved in falsehood
because they were not sensitive. This is why Jesus warned that if care is not
taken, even the very elect will fall for the deceits of the devil. By all
standards, lies are the devil’s greatest weapons with which he enslaves people
into falsehood. A lie is anything other than the absolute truth. The first man
and woman to exist on the earth were victims of lie when the devil
intentionally mis-interpreted the instructions that God gave them to keep. It
is upon this that the Bible tells us to be as wise as serpents, because the
devil will always try to prove to the children of God how ‘unreasonable’ the
commandments of God are. You have to make up your mind to obey God rather than
question simple instructions that are intended to make you happy and give you
rest. </b></div>
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<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b>The devil will also make efforts to question the reputation of God. Some
teachers have taught that one can continue in sin since grace abounds. False
teachers will tell you to live your life as you deem it fit because there is
liberty in Christ. These are all lies of the devil; those who fall for them
will always have woeful experiences. The scripture tells us not only to hate
lies but to keep the utmost distance from it because those who engage in lies
are abominable in the sight of God.<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b>We need to be men and women
who delight in the truths of God in all matters. The problem with human beings
is that we always do not appreciate the truth when we find it. There are people
who prefer to seek counsel from people that will destroy them through wrong
counsels. Some people know that there is nothing biblical about their church,
yet they remain in such places.<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b>There are various wolves in
sheep clothing parading themselves as true prophets sent by God, but if you
allow the Lord to open your eyes, you will see clearly who they are. Many
people have suffered untold damages in the hands of the fake prophets; this is
why you need to be watchful. If you are a liar, or you are engaged in anything
fraudulent, you need to stop it before the wrath of God comes upon you. If you
are living a life that misrepresents the Kingdom of God, you have to quickly
amend your ways before it becomes too late. If you give yourself to ungodly
living, you will be enslaved by falsehood because you have refused to retain
God in your knowledge. <o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Are you under a ‘man of God’
who is performing miracles, signs and wonders, but whose life does not resemble
that of Christ? I will advise that you relocate immediately to where the Truth
will find you. <o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Key Point:<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b>You shall know the Truth and
the Truth will set you free.<o:p></o:p></b></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18330021561236640643noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2543426949852360781.post-35898338305150215742016-11-03T07:59:00.000+01:002016-11-03T07:59:44.844+01:00Alone With God (OPEN HEAVENS Devotional) <div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b>OPEN HEAVENS Devotional – Thursday
November 3<sup>rd</sup> 2016</b></div>
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<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b>TOPIC:</b><b><span style="background: white; color: #3366ff; font-family: "gabriola"; font-size: 20.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span>MATRIMONIAL ROBBER?<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipNzRpEolJhjPtv_ndqesM0or4HcDjn-PJOMhDuPUuDzP1mIgSZXOAc5EHyQhoPN9KDFITa4Kfq2JGuTOAm6f3QBxNPuD5fbmU16QuBOd_LKGJFCtZRoIXMmbXTSPnPbHuVA9ZTreiS813/s1600/Open+Heavens+2016.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipNzRpEolJhjPtv_ndqesM0or4HcDjn-PJOMhDuPUuDzP1mIgSZXOAc5EHyQhoPN9KDFITa4Kfq2JGuTOAm6f3QBxNPuD5fbmU16QuBOd_LKGJFCtZRoIXMmbXTSPnPbHuVA9ZTreiS813/s1600/Open+Heavens+2016.jpg" /></a></div>
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<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Memorize: And why wilt thou,
my son, be ravished with a strange woman, and embrace the bosom of a stranger?
Proverbs 5:20<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Read: Malachi 2:14-16,<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><sup><br /></sup></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><sup>14 </sup>Yet ye say,
Wherefore? Because the Lord hath been witness between thee and the
wife of thy youth, against whom thou hast dealt treacherously: yet is she thy
companion, and the wife of thy covenant.<sup><o:p></o:p></sup></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><sup>15 </sup>And did not
he make one? Yet had he the residue of the spirit. And wherefore one? That he
might seek a godly seed. Therefore take heed to your spirit, and let none deal
treacherously against the wife of his youth.<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><sup>16 </sup>For the Lord,
the God of Israel, saith that he hateth putting away: for one covereth violence
with his garment, saith the Lord of hosts: therefore take heed to
your spirit, that ye deal not treacherously.<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Bible in one year: Revelation
8:11, Psalms 93<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b></b></div>
<a name='more'></a><b><br /></b>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b>MESSAGE<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b>There are some people who
never knew what sickness, failure, poverty or stagnation was until they
committed fornication or adultery. Fornication/adultery is a sin that attracts
the automatic wrath of God because it involves your Body, Soul and Spirit.
Those who secretly engage in the sin of adultery end up being reduced to a
piece of bread. Some think that as long as their sins are not found out, they
are safe. Ask King David, he will tell you that your sins will always find you
out. Fornication and adultery will reduce you to a state of nothingness. Every
precious thing in you will shut down permanently, the grace of God upon your
life will be automatically removed and you will immediately become exposed to
all forms of satanic attack. The cover of the Almighty God is removed and shame
and reproach will become a daily occurrence to such a person. It doesn’t matter
how long you may have spent in building your life, it begins to crush the
moment you invite destruction. <o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b>A righteous person will be
wise enough to avoid the dangers that come with the act of immorality. Joseph
understood this and preferred that his garment be torn in the hands of Mrs
Potiphar than that his destiny and colourful future be destroyed by a few minutes
of pleasure. All those who give excuses about the negative sides of their
spouses as an excuse for sleeping around are only being foolish. There is
nothing outside that is not already given to you by God through your wife or
husband. Don’t allow your life to end in shame and disgrace, because that is
always the end of those who continue in extra-marital affairs. Stay with the
spouse that God has given you and receive your emotional nourishment from that
spouse. If you can’t find contentment in your marriage, then you can be sure
you will never really find it anywhere else.<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b>The plan and purpose of God
for marriage is – one man to one woman. There is no perfect man or woman
anywhere, you have to work with what/who you have, make lemonade out of your lemons.<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b>You must stay far away from
those people who can cause you to sin. This was the case with Samson in the
book of Judges. Everywhere Samson went; his focus was always on woman, and he
lost his life and all he had through a woman. You have to examine yourself to
find out if there is any possible channel through which you can become a victim
of fornication or adultery. Disconnect yourself from that man or that woman
that wants to disconnect you from the place of grace. God is not just holy; He
wants us to be partakers of His holiness. It is the holiness of God that
secures the grace of God in our lives.<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Action Point<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b>A righteous man is identified
by how much he loves righteousness and hates sin.<o:p></o:p></b></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18330021561236640643noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2543426949852360781.post-24258282539039714602016-11-02T07:52:00.000+01:002016-11-02T07:54:51.843+01:00Alone With God (OPEN HEAVENS Devotional) <div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b>OPEN HEAVENS Devotional – Wednesday
November 2<sup>nd</sup> 2016</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b>TOPIC:</b><b><span style="background: white; color: #3366ff; font-family: "gabriola"; font-size: 20.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span>HATER OF GOD?<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipNzRpEolJhjPtv_ndqesM0or4HcDjn-PJOMhDuPUuDzP1mIgSZXOAc5EHyQhoPN9KDFITa4Kfq2JGuTOAm6f3QBxNPuD5fbmU16QuBOd_LKGJFCtZRoIXMmbXTSPnPbHuVA9ZTreiS813/s1600/Open+Heavens+2016.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipNzRpEolJhjPtv_ndqesM0or4HcDjn-PJOMhDuPUuDzP1mIgSZXOAc5EHyQhoPN9KDFITa4Kfq2JGuTOAm6f3QBxNPuD5fbmU16QuBOd_LKGJFCtZRoIXMmbXTSPnPbHuVA9ZTreiS813/s1600/Open+Heavens+2016.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Memorize: Thus saith the Lord;
cursed be the man that trusteth in man, and maketh flesh his arm and whose
heart departed from the Lord. Jeremiah 17:5<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Read: Romans 1:28-32,<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><sup><br /></sup></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><sup>28 </sup>And even as
they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a
reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient;<sup><o:p></o:p></sup></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><sup>29 </sup>Being
filled with all unrighteousness, fornication, wickedness, covetousness,
maliciousness; full of envy, murder, debate, deceit, malignity; whisperers,<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><sup>30 </sup>Backbiters,
haters of God, despiteful, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient
to parents,<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><sup>31 </sup>Without
understanding, covenant breakers, without natural affection, implacable,
unmerciful:<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><sup>32 </sup>Who knowing
the judgment of God, that they which commit such things are worthy of death,
not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them.<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Bible in one year: Revelations
3:14-7:17, Psalms 92<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b></b></div>
<a name='more'></a><b><br /></b>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b>MESSAGE<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b>The situation around us
today requires quick intervention because the society is becoming unsafe due to
emerging trends. There are many people rising up in many quarters, questioning
the rationality of looking unto God. They hate the idea of putting God at the
centre of human knowledge and existence. They question the efficacy of God’s
knowledge and authority, and this is making the love of some believers wax
cold. Haters of God are those who put the fear of man over and above the fear
of God. They believe more in the inventions of man than in the creation of God.
They are those who rely in their vain imagination rather than the absolute
truth of God. They prefer to stay away from God and His house because they
don’t want His truth to locate them. They prefer to use their wisdom to solve
their problems rather than find solution in Christ alone. When they are in
trouble, the first thing on their minds is running to the wrong place for
solution, which eventually compounds their problem.<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Looking up to a man when one
should trust God can be a very futile endeavour. Those who put their confidence
in man will always end up with frustrating experiences. If you keep to God He
will keep you in perfect peace. There are many people who have no experience of
what the Peace of God is. May this never be your portion in Jesus’ name.<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Haters of God allow their
hearts to be dominated by impure thoughts. They allow demons to control their
hearts, and this is why they find it impossible to experience the Peace of God.
You can make up your mind this day to be a lover of God.<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Those who hate God will never
know the peace of God. Don’t allow the power of hell to dominate your life.
Every place of activity through which evil ideas come into your life must be
avoided. Separate yourself totally from those things separating you from the
blessings of God. </b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Keep a distance from those negative connections and
influences that lure you into evil including internet views and impure
television programmes. Stop feeding your eyes with lust including items and
materials. Don’t give yourself further to those things that will attract the
wrath of God upon your life, things such as masturbation, fornication, incest,
rape, same sex relationship, occultism, and pornography. Through the power of
God, you can dominate these evil practices that keep you away from the grace of
God.<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Prayer Point<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Father, please give me the
grace to please you.<o:p></o:p></b></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18330021561236640643noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2543426949852360781.post-29847957254591128152016-11-01T07:39:00.000+01:002016-11-01T07:39:22.760+01:00Alone With God (OPEN HEAVENS Devotional) <div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b>OPEN HEAVENS Devotional – Tuesday
November 1<sup>st</sup> 2016</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b>TOPIC:</b><b><span style="background: white; color: #3366ff; font-family: "gabriola"; font-size: 20.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span>GRIEVE NOT THE HOLY SPIRIT<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipNzRpEolJhjPtv_ndqesM0or4HcDjn-PJOMhDuPUuDzP1mIgSZXOAc5EHyQhoPN9KDFITa4Kfq2JGuTOAm6f3QBxNPuD5fbmU16QuBOd_LKGJFCtZRoIXMmbXTSPnPbHuVA9ZTreiS813/s1600/Open+Heavens+2016.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipNzRpEolJhjPtv_ndqesM0or4HcDjn-PJOMhDuPUuDzP1mIgSZXOAc5EHyQhoPN9KDFITa4Kfq2JGuTOAm6f3QBxNPuD5fbmU16QuBOd_LKGJFCtZRoIXMmbXTSPnPbHuVA9ZTreiS813/s1600/Open+Heavens+2016.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Memorize: And grieve not the
holy spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption. Ephesians
4:30<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Read: Matthew 12:24-31,<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><sup><br /></sup></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><sup>24 </sup>But when
the Pharisees heard it, they said, This fellow doth not cast out devils, but by
Beelzebub the prince of the devils.<sup><o:p></o:p></sup></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><sup>25 </sup>And Jesus
knew their thoughts, and said unto them, Every kingdom divided against itself
is brought to desolation; and every city or house divided against itself shall
not stand:<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><sup>26 </sup>And if
Satan cast out Satan, he is divided against himself; how shall then his kingdom
stand?<sup><o:p></o:p></sup></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><sup>27 </sup>And if I by
Beelzebub cast out devils, by whom do your children cast them out? Therefore
they shall be your judges.<sup><o:p></o:p></sup></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><sup>28 </sup>But if I
cast out devils by the Spirit of God, then the kingdom of God is come unto you.<sup><o:p></o:p></sup></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><sup>29 </sup>Or else how
can one enter into a strong man's house, and spoil his goods, except he first
bind the strong man? and then he will spoil his house.<sup><o:p></o:p></sup></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><sup>30 </sup>He that is
not with me is against me; and he that gathereth not with me scattereth abroad.<sup><o:p></o:p></sup></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><sup>31 </sup>Wherefore I
say unto you, All manner of sin and blasphemy shall be forgiven unto men: but
the blasphemy against the Holy Ghost shall not be forgiven unto men.<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Bible in one year: Revelations
1:1-3:13, Psalms 91<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b></b></div>
<a name='more'></a><b><br /></b>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b>MESSAGE<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b>There are many Christians
living in frustration and defeat because they have set themselves against the
flow of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is the key to the outpouring of
revival and every endeavour in this new dispensation. The Holy Spirit is the
secret behind every super-national occurrence. Do you desire to know the plan
of God for your tomorrow? Get the Holy Spirit. Do you want to live a successful
Christian life? Get the Holy Spirit. Without the power of the Holy Spirit, you
will live a life of continuous defeat. As helpful as the Holy Spirit is, one
should be careful in relating with Him. <o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b> </b><b>Ananias and Saphirra lied to
Peter about how much they sold their land, they felt they were deceiving
Peter, unfortunately, it was too late for them to realise that they had grieved
the Holy Spirit.</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b>There are numerous ways by
which grieve the Holy Spirit. The moment a person begins to rebel against the
instructions in God’s Word, such a fellow is asking for trouble from the Holy
Spirit. At several points in the life of the children of Israel, they murmured
against God. They were never satisfied with His provision. Psalms 78:40 says:</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b>“How oft did they provoke him
in the wilderness, and grieve him in the desert!”<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b>They grieved God for forty
years in the wilderness. Their hearts were hardened and they refused to
acknowledge the ways of God. As a result of this attitude, they were not
allowed to enter into the rest of the Lord. May this not be your portion in
Jesus’ name.<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Another way people can grieve
the Holy Spirit is when they despise the truth of God’s Word. </b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b>The apostle, in 1<sup>st</sup> Thessalonians
5:19 said that the church must not quench the Spirit of God. The Holy
Spirit can be grieved when disciples begin to disobey God. Believers today
should do everything possible to pattern their lives after the beliefs and
practices that were maintained by the disciples of the early church. There
should be no room for bitterness or evil feelings towards one another. There
are some people who make deliberate attempts to deceive their leaders. Some try
to act very cleverly. Some Christians still see themselves as being smart
because their sins have not yet been found out. All these people are only
waiting for the judgement of God unless they repent. Do not do anything that
will make you an enemy to the Holy Spirit. Do not make yourself a stumbling
block to the progress of others around you. Don’t have the ‘pull it down’
mind-set. Don’t scatter the good works others have done simply because you are
in a position of influence. All those who do these will see the anger of God.</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b>The Holy Spirit must not be
grieved. He is always working hard against sinners. You have to allow the Holy
Spirit to breathe on you with the breath of God so that your life can be filled
anew. When your life is filled anew, you will find it easy to love what He
loves. <o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Prayer Point<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Father, help me not to grieve
your Holy Spirit.<o:p></o:p></b></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18330021561236640643noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2543426949852360781.post-64553406630043039562016-10-31T07:50:00.000+01:002016-10-31T07:50:06.167+01:00Alone With God (OPEN HEAVENS Devotional)<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b>OPEN HEAVENS Devotional – Monday
October 31<sup>st</sup> 2016</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b>TOPIC:</b><b><span style="background: white; color: #3366ff; font-family: "gabriola"; font-size: 20.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span>BE COURAGEOUS<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipNzRpEolJhjPtv_ndqesM0or4HcDjn-PJOMhDuPUuDzP1mIgSZXOAc5EHyQhoPN9KDFITa4Kfq2JGuTOAm6f3QBxNPuD5fbmU16QuBOd_LKGJFCtZRoIXMmbXTSPnPbHuVA9ZTreiS813/s1600/Open+Heavens+2016.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipNzRpEolJhjPtv_ndqesM0or4HcDjn-PJOMhDuPUuDzP1mIgSZXOAc5EHyQhoPN9KDFITa4Kfq2JGuTOAm6f3QBxNPuD5fbmU16QuBOd_LKGJFCtZRoIXMmbXTSPnPbHuVA9ZTreiS813/s1600/Open+Heavens+2016.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Memorize: Be strong and of
good courage, fear not, nor be afraid of them; for the Lord thy God he it is
that doth go with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee. Deuteronomy
31:6<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Read: 2<sup>nd</sup> Chronicles
32:7-8,<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><sup><br /></sup></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><sup>7 </sup>Be strong
and courageous, be not afraid nor dismayed for the king of Assyria, nor for all
the multitude that is with him: for there be more with us than with him:<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><sup>8 </sup>With him is
an arm of flesh; but with us is the Lord our God to help us, and to
fight our battles. And the people rested themselves upon the words of Hezekiah
king of Judah.<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Bible in one year: Malachi
1-4, Psalms 90:7-17<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b></b></div>
<a name='more'></a><b><br /></b>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b>MESSAGE<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Courage is a virtue that is
not optional for children of God who want to fulfil destiny. Without courage,
we can’t even say we are images of Living God. This is why God Almighty always
emphasizes the need to be courageous in the lives of those who He wants to use
for special assignments. In the memory verse for today, Moses, the servant of
God, encouraged the children of Israel to be of good courage, void of fear for
people. There are many reasons why we cannot afford to be afraid of people. <o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Proverbs 29:25 says:<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b>“The fear of man bringeth a
snare: but whoso putteth his trust in the Lord shall be safe.”<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Anyone who wants to represent
God in this world must be courageous, or else, he or she will make a mess of
the divine assignment like king Saul did. When he was confronted with the
half-obedience he exhibited concerning the Amalekites, he had this to say:<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b>“… I have sinned: for I have
transgressed the commandment of the Lord, and thy words: because I feared the
people, and obeyed their voice.” 1<sup>st</sup> Samuel 15:24<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Another reason we should not
be afraid of any man is that God is with us. His name is Emmanuel. He himself
said “I am with you always, even unto the end of the world.” (Matthew 28:20). Isaiah
43:2-3 says:<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b>“When thou passeth through the
waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow
thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shall not be burned; neither
shall the flame kindle upon thee. For I am the Lord thy God, the Holy One of
Israel, thy saviour: I gave Egypt for thy ransom, Ethiopia and Seba for thee.”<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b>There are facts that should
instil courage into us because faithful is He who has promised; He will fulfil
it. In the Bible reading for today, kind Hezekiah, under the influence of the
Holy Spirit, told the people to be courageous in the face of the threats of war
from Sennacherib king of Assyria. <o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b>“With him is an arm of flesh;
but with us is the Lord our God to help us, and to fight our battles. And the
people rested themselves upon the words of Hezekiah king of Judah.” 2<sup>nd</sup> Chronicles
32:8<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Prayer Point</b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Father, give me courage; don’t
let me lose my ground of faith to the devil.<o:p></o:p></b></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18330021561236640643noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2543426949852360781.post-67942099528648711442016-10-28T08:13:00.000+01:002016-10-28T08:13:48.574+01:00Alone With God (OPEN HEAVENS Devotional)<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b>OPEN HEAVENS Devotional – Friday
October 28<sup>th</sup> 2016</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b>TOPIC:</b><b><span style="background: white; color: #3366ff; font-family: "gabriola"; font-size: 20.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span>GOD GETS ANGRY TOO<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipNzRpEolJhjPtv_ndqesM0or4HcDjn-PJOMhDuPUuDzP1mIgSZXOAc5EHyQhoPN9KDFITa4Kfq2JGuTOAm6f3QBxNPuD5fbmU16QuBOd_LKGJFCtZRoIXMmbXTSPnPbHuVA9ZTreiS813/s1600/Open+Heavens+2016.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipNzRpEolJhjPtv_ndqesM0or4HcDjn-PJOMhDuPUuDzP1mIgSZXOAc5EHyQhoPN9KDFITa4Kfq2JGuTOAm6f3QBxNPuD5fbmU16QuBOd_LKGJFCtZRoIXMmbXTSPnPbHuVA9ZTreiS813/s1600/Open+Heavens+2016.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Memorize: For his anger
endureth but a moment; in his favour is life: weeping may endure for a night,
but joy cometh in the morning. Psalms 30:5<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Read: Psalms 30:1-5,<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><sup><br /></sup></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><sup>1 </sup>I will extol
thee, O Lord; for thou hast lifted me up, and hast not made my foes to
rejoice over me.<sup><o:p></o:p></sup></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><sup>2 </sup>O Lord my
God, I cried unto thee, and thou hast healed me.<sup><o:p></o:p></sup></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><sup>3 </sup>O Lord,
thou hast brought up my soul from the grave: thou hast kept me alive, that I
should not go down to the pit.<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><sup>4 </sup>Sing unto
the Lord, O ye saints of his, and give thanks at the remembrance of his
holiness.<sup><o:p></o:p></sup></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><sup>5 </sup>For his
anger endureth but a moment; in his favour is life: weeping may endure for a
night, but joy cometh in the morning.<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Bible in one year: Zechariah
1:1-6-8, Psalms 86:15-37<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b></b></div>
<a name='more'></a><b><br /></b>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b>MESSAGE<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b>A truth catches one’s
attention in today’s Bible reading; God can be angry! If this wasn’t the case,
the Bible wouldn’t have said; “For this anger endureth but a moment”. Jeremiah
25:6 further corroborates this fact by saying that the God of love can be
provoked to anger: <o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b>“And go not after other gods
to serve them, and to worship them, and provoke me not to anger with works of
your hands; and I will do you no hurt.”<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b>It is only a false teacher or
prophet that will teach that God is so lovingly holy, therefore, He can’t be
provoked to anger. This type of teaching makes children of God take the love of
their heavenly Father for granted.<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Having said this, we must also
acknowledge the fact that His anger does not last forever. There is a condition
though. When you don’t take God and His mercies for granted, and you genuinely
turn away from your wickedness, He will deal with you as if you have never
sinned before. Proverbs 28:13 says:</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b>“He that covereth his sins
shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy.”<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b>When God is angry with an
individual, that fellow cannot know joy. Psalms 32:10 says:<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b>“Many sorrows shall be to the
wicked: but he that trusteth in the Lord, mercy shall compass him about.”<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Going by this scripture, every
man born of a woman is doomed for sorrow until Jesus Christ redeems him from the
curse of sin. Our trust in the work of redemption without taking the One who
made it possible for granted, will bring us unspeakable joy. When our
relationship is cordial with God, we can boldly say like the Psalmist; “weeping
may endure for a night…” (Due to the variable nature of life) “…but joy cometh
in the morning.”<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b>When I first became General
Overseer, anytime I returned from my missionary journeys, my wife would be
eager to tell me about all the matters that needed my attention. After
listening to them all, I would ask for my food and after the meal I would go to
bed. My wife kept on wondering about my attitude. I had to explain to her the
fact that joy will come in the morning because I was leaving everything to God
while I sleep. Faithful is He who has promised us joy in the morning; it shall
surely come. <o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Prayer Point<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Father, let my morning of joy
come now.<o:p></o:p></b></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18330021561236640643noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2543426949852360781.post-24104392088264975822016-10-27T08:11:00.000+01:002016-10-27T08:11:57.178+01:00Alone With God (OPEN HEAVENS Devotional)<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b>OPEN HEAVENS Devotional – Thursday
October 27<sup>th</sup> 2016</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b>TOPIC:</b><b><span style="background: white; color: #3366ff; font-family: "gabriola"; font-size: 20.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span>COST OF DISCIPLESHIP<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipNzRpEolJhjPtv_ndqesM0or4HcDjn-PJOMhDuPUuDzP1mIgSZXOAc5EHyQhoPN9KDFITa4Kfq2JGuTOAm6f3QBxNPuD5fbmU16QuBOd_LKGJFCtZRoIXMmbXTSPnPbHuVA9ZTreiS813/s1600/Open+Heavens+2016.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipNzRpEolJhjPtv_ndqesM0or4HcDjn-PJOMhDuPUuDzP1mIgSZXOAc5EHyQhoPN9KDFITa4Kfq2JGuTOAm6f3QBxNPuD5fbmU16QuBOd_LKGJFCtZRoIXMmbXTSPnPbHuVA9ZTreiS813/s1600/Open+Heavens+2016.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Memorize: And whosoever doth
not bear his cross, and come after me, cannot be my disciple. Luke 14:27<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Read: Luke 14:25-27,<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><sup><br /></sup></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><sup>25</sup> And there
went great multitudes with him: and he turned, and said unto them,<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><sup>26 </sup>If any man
come to me, and hate not his father, and mother, and wife, and children, and
brethren, and sisters, yea, and his own life also, he cannot be my disciple.<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><sup>27 </sup>And
whosoever doth not bear his cross, and come after me, cannot be my disciple.<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Bible in one year: Zephaniah
1-3, Haggai 1-2, Psalms 89:1-14<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b></b></div>
<a name='more'></a><b><br /></b>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b>MESSAGE<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Children of God are to decide
wisely what they want to do with their relationship with Him. <o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Jesus, in Luke 14:27 said;<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b>“And whosoever doth not bear
his cross, and come after me, cannot be my disciple.”<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b>A Cross is a symbol of
responsibility, to say the least. It is a pointer to the fact that the path of
discipleship is rugged and demanding. It demands a high level of determination
to follow without looking back when faced with sufferings and temptations. This
is why Jesus said in Luke 9:62; “…No man, having put his hand to the plough,
and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God.”<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b>The cost of discipleship is
also found in the blessed call of Jesus Christ in Matthew 11:28-39:<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b>“Come unto me, all ye that
labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you,
and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto
your souls.”<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b>It is costly to follow Jesus
Christ for many reasons. Firstly, He has a yoke and whoever wants to follow Him
must bear that yoke with Him. An example of this yoke is found in John
4:43 where Jesus said; “…My meat is to do the will of him that sent me,
and to finish his work.” Whoever fails to share this burden with Jesus cannot
be His disciple. Secondly, the one who wants to be a disciple of Christ must
learn of Him, he must pattern His life after Christ’s life and one major way to
pattern one’s life after Jesus Christ is to be meek and lowly in heart. Philippians
2:5-8 says:<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b>“Let this mind be in you,
which was also in Christ Jesus: who, being in the form of God, thought it not
robbery to be equal with God: But made himself of no reputation, and took upon
him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men. And being found
in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even
the death of the cross.”<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Beloved, you have to know that
discipleship has its price, but it is highly rewarding. Jesus Christ said, “…
and ye shall find rest unto your souls.”(Matthew 11:29). <o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Prayer Point<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Father, help me to pay the
cost of discipleship, so that I can gain the immeasurable blessing of a genuine
disciple.<o:p></o:p></b></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18330021561236640643noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2543426949852360781.post-38167641261446838952016-10-26T07:56:00.000+01:002016-10-26T07:56:41.482+01:00Alone With God (OPEN HEAVENS Devotional)<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b>OPEN HEAVENS Devotional – </b><b>Wednesday October 26<sup>th </sup> 2016</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><sup><br /></sup></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b>TOPIC:</b><b><span style="background: white; color: #3366ff; font-family: "gabriola"; font-size: 20.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span>WHAT ARE YOU LIVING FOR?<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipNzRpEolJhjPtv_ndqesM0or4HcDjn-PJOMhDuPUuDzP1mIgSZXOAc5EHyQhoPN9KDFITa4Kfq2JGuTOAm6f3QBxNPuD5fbmU16QuBOd_LKGJFCtZRoIXMmbXTSPnPbHuVA9ZTreiS813/s1600/Open+Heavens+2016.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipNzRpEolJhjPtv_ndqesM0or4HcDjn-PJOMhDuPUuDzP1mIgSZXOAc5EHyQhoPN9KDFITa4Kfq2JGuTOAm6f3QBxNPuD5fbmU16QuBOd_LKGJFCtZRoIXMmbXTSPnPbHuVA9ZTreiS813/s1600/Open+Heavens+2016.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Memorize: Let us hear the
conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this
is the whole duty of man. Ecclesiastes 12:13<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Read: Luke 12:15-20,<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><sup><br /></sup></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><sup>15 </sup>And he said
unto them, Take heed, and beware of covetousness: for a man's life consisteth
not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth.<sup><o:p></o:p></sup></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><sup>16 </sup>And he
spake a parable unto them, saying, The ground of a certain rich man brought
forth plentifully:<sup><o:p></o:p></sup></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><sup>17 </sup>And he
thought within himself, saying, What shall I do, because I have no room where
to bestow my fruits?<sup><o:p></o:p></sup></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><sup>18 </sup>And he
said, This will I do: I will pull down my barns, and build greater; and there
will I bestow all my fruits and my goods.<sup><o:p></o:p></sup></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><sup>19 </sup>And I will
say to my soul, Soul, thou hast much goods laid up for many years; take thine
ease, eat, drink, and be merry.<sup><o:p></o:p></sup></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><sup>20 </sup>But God
said unto him, Thou fool, this night thy soul shall be required of thee: then
whose shall those things be, which thou hast provided?<sup><o:p></o:p></sup></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Bible in one year: Nahum 1-3,
Habakkuk 1-3, Psalms 88<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b>MESSAGE<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b>To know what you live for, you
need to consult the Holy Scriptures and this is what we shall briefly do in
today’s reading. The Bible says: <o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b>“Thou art worthy, O Lord, to
receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for
thy pleasure they are and were created.” Revelation 4:11<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b>The unfortunate thing about
life is that, people live as if they own their lives. Our Lord Jesus Christ
told us the story of a certain rich man who in one year had so much money that
he started boasting of many years of enjoyment. While he was ranting and
boasting, God said to him:<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b>“Thou fool, this night thy
soul shall be required of thee: then whose shall those things be, which thou
hast provided? So is he that layeth up treasure for himself, and is not rich
toward God.” Luke 12:20-21<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Beloved, we are expected to
live for God the Father, through Jesus Christ the Son. We are not supposed to
live for ourselves anymore, because we have been bought with price. Peter, an
apostle of Jesus Christ admonished us as peculiar people to show forth the
praises of Him (Jesus) who hath called us out of darkness into His marvellous
light. (1<sup>st</sup> Peter 2:9). Moreover, Paul, another apostle
corroborated this when he wrote:<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b>“I am crucified with Christ:
nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I
now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and
gave himself for me.” Galatians 2:20<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b>The apostle further wrote
that, after we have given our lives to Christ, we should live a new life as
becoming the saints. We should put on the new man, which after God is created
in righteousness and true holiness. <o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b>This is the only way we can
live for God and not for ourselves. May the Lord grant us the grace to live
acceptably before Him in Jesus’ name.<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Prayer Point<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Father, help me to live for
You alone in Jesus’ name.<o:p></o:p></b></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18330021561236640643noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2543426949852360781.post-20061846609123353262016-10-25T08:13:00.000+01:002016-10-25T08:13:39.418+01:00Alone With God (OPEN HEAVENS Devotional)<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b>OPEN HEAVENS Devotional – Tuesday
October 25<sup>th</sup> 2016</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b>TOPIC:</b><b><span style="background: white; color: #3366ff; font-family: "gabriola"; font-size: 20.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span>SPIRITUAL ADULTERY FORBIDDEN!<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipNzRpEolJhjPtv_ndqesM0or4HcDjn-PJOMhDuPUuDzP1mIgSZXOAc5EHyQhoPN9KDFITa4Kfq2JGuTOAm6f3QBxNPuD5fbmU16QuBOd_LKGJFCtZRoIXMmbXTSPnPbHuVA9ZTreiS813/s1600/Open+Heavens+2016.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipNzRpEolJhjPtv_ndqesM0or4HcDjn-PJOMhDuPUuDzP1mIgSZXOAc5EHyQhoPN9KDFITa4Kfq2JGuTOAm6f3QBxNPuD5fbmU16QuBOd_LKGJFCtZRoIXMmbXTSPnPbHuVA9ZTreiS813/s1600/Open+Heavens+2016.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Memorize: For thy Maker is
thine husband; the Lord of hosts is his name; and thy Redeemer the Holy One of
Israel; the God of the whole earth shall he be called. Isaiah 54:5<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Read: Hosea 2:2-5,<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><sup><br /></sup></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><sup>2 </sup>Plead with
your mother, plead: for she is not my wife, neither am I her husband: let her
therefore put away her whoredoms out of her sight, and her adulteries from
between her breasts;<sup><o:p></o:p></sup></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><sup>3 </sup>Lest I strip
her naked, and set her as in the day that she was born, and make her as a wilderness,
and set her like a dry land, and slay her with thirst.<sup><o:p></o:p></sup></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><sup>4 </sup>And I will
not have mercy upon her children; for they be the children of whoredoms.<sup><o:p></o:p></sup></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><sup>5 </sup>For their
mother hath played the harlot: she that conceived them hath done shamefully:
for she said, I will go after my lovers, that give me my bread and my water, my
wool and my flax, mine oil and my drink.<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Bible in one year: Micah 5-7,
Psalms 87<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b></b></div>
<a name='more'></a><b><br /></b>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b>MESSAGE<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b>The relationship between God
and his human creatures could be likened to the relationship between a husband
and his wife. God, who instituted marriage, patterned the relationship in
marriage after His relationship with His people. This is why spiritual adultery
is severely punished from time to time in the history of man and his
interaction with his Maker. <o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b>“And the children of Israel
did evil in the sight of the Lord, and served Baalim….And they forsook the
Lord, and served Baal and Ashtaroth. And the anger of the Lord was hot against
Israel, and he delivered them into the hands of spoilers that spoiled them, and
he sold them into the hands of their enemies round about, so that they could
not any longer stand before enemies.” Judges 2:11, 13-14<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b>God is jealous, like a man
could be jealous over the relationship of his wife with another man, when his
human creatures follow other gods besides Him (Exodus 20:5). The spiritual
adultery which the children of Israel committed is vividly illustrated in the
relationship between Hosea and Gomer his professional harlot-turned wife. The
patience of Hosea with Gomer who was always going back to her whoredom like a
dog that goes back to its vomit also illustrates God’s patience with His people
who court with the people of the world. The bond becomes stronger when someone
at the altar of repentance, betroths himself or herself to Jesus Christ, the
original Bridegroom. The Bible says:<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b>“Love not the world, neither
the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the
Father is not in him.” 1<sup>st</sup> John 2:15<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Our Lord Jesus Christ also
said that our love cannot be possibly shared between God and ephemeral things
of this world. He said:<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b>“No servant can serve two
masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will
hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.” Luke
16:13<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Serving God and mammon is
spiritual adultery, punishable by rejection and shame. <o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b>The Bible says:<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b>“Plead with your mother,
plead: for she is not my wife neither am I her husband: let her therefore put
away her whoredoms out of her sight, and her adulteries from between her
breasts. Lest I strip her naked, and set her as in the day that she was born,
and make her as a wilderness, an set her like a dry land, and slay her with
thirst.” Hosea 2:2-3<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Beloved, beware of spiritual
adultery. Stick to Jesus Christ. The Lover of your soul and He will do you
good.<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Prayer Point:<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Father, please forgive me of
any spiritual adultery I might have committed against You and our spiritual
matrimony. For Christ’s sake, please do not reject me.<o:p></o:p></b></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18330021561236640643noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2543426949852360781.post-84477714536023976642016-10-21T07:43:00.000+01:002016-10-21T07:43:10.425+01:00Alone With God (OPEN HEAVENS Devotional)<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b>OPEN HEAVENS Devotional – Friday
October 21<sup>st</sup> 2016</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b>TOPIC:</b><b><span style="background: white; color: #3366ff; font-family: "gabriola"; font-size: 20.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span>THE BELIEVER’S AUTHORITY I<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipNzRpEolJhjPtv_ndqesM0or4HcDjn-PJOMhDuPUuDzP1mIgSZXOAc5EHyQhoPN9KDFITa4Kfq2JGuTOAm6f3QBxNPuD5fbmU16QuBOd_LKGJFCtZRoIXMmbXTSPnPbHuVA9ZTreiS813/s1600/Open+Heavens+2016.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipNzRpEolJhjPtv_ndqesM0or4HcDjn-PJOMhDuPUuDzP1mIgSZXOAc5EHyQhoPN9KDFITa4Kfq2JGuTOAm6f3QBxNPuD5fbmU16QuBOd_LKGJFCtZRoIXMmbXTSPnPbHuVA9ZTreiS813/s1600/Open+Heavens+2016.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Memorize: Therefore, my
beloved brethren, be ye steadfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of
the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord. 1<sup>st</sup> Corinthians
15:58<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Read: Revelation 3:7-11,<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><sup><br />7 </sup>And to the
angel of the church in Philadelphia write; These things saith he that is holy,
he that is true, he that hath the key of David, he that openeth, and no man
shutteth; and shutteth, and no man openeth;<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><sup>8 </sup>I know thy
works: behold, I have set before thee an open door, and no man can shut it: for
thou hast a little strength, and hast kept my word, and hast not denied my
name.<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><sup>9 </sup>Behold, I
will make them of the synagogue of Satan, which say they are Jews, and are not,
but do lie; behold, I will make them to come and worship before thy feet, and
to know that I have loved thee.<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><sup>10 </sup>Because
thou hast kept the word of my patience, I also will keep thee from the hour of
temptation, which shall come upon all the world, to try them that dwell upon
the earth.<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><sup>11 </sup>Behold, I
come quickly: hold that fast which thou hast, that no man take thy crown.<sup><o:p></o:p></sup></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Bible in one year: Amos
1:1-5:17, Psalms 83<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b></b></div>
<a name='more'></a><b><br /></b>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b>MESSAGE<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Another exciting thing about
the Almighty God is that He is the most generous employer of labour. He pays
the best wages in history. This is reason Apostle Paul admonishes us in today’s
memory verse to always abound in the work of the Lord because He will
definitely pay us wages beyond our imagination. The disciples asked Jesus
Christ what they should do that they might work the works of God? He answered
them: “This is the work of God, that ye believe on him whom he hath sent.” (John
6:28-29). You may not appreciate the ability to believe what the Holy Spirit
has bestowed upon you, until you discover the outcome of those who died as a
result of unbelief (Hebrews 3:12-19). God celebrates those who exercise faith
in Him; this is why without faith we cannot please Him (Hebrews 11:6). <o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b>In the message of Jesus Christ
to the Church in Philadelphia, it is written:<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b>“I know thy works: behold, I
have set before thee an open door, and no man can shut it: for thou has a
little strength, and hast kept my work, and hast not denied my name.” Revelation
3:8<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b>One serious point to note is
that there are many practical unbelievers in Christ, playing empty religion.
They do not believe in the Name of Jesus Christ and He knows their works! How
do we explain this? The Bible says that He shall be called Jesus because He
shall save His people from their sins. This category of Church goers do not
believe that through His Name we can receive deliverance from sins. They deny
the possibility of living above the power of sin, and so their slogan is “let
us sin the more that we may enjoy the grace the more”. Against this background
Apostle Paul wrote:<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b>“What shall we say then? Shall
we continue in sin, that grace may abound? God forbid. How shall we, that are
dead to sin, live any longer therein?” Romans 6:1-2<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Beloved, in the light of
these, do you believe in the saving name of Jesus? Are you ready to keep His Word?
He has promised that the agents of Satan shall not do you any harm. Rather,
they would bow before you and acknowledge the fact that you are a beloved of
the Lord. He promised:<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b>“Because thou hast kept the
word of my patience, I also will keep thee from the hour of temptation, which
shall come upon all the world, to try them that dwell upon the earth.” Revelations
3:10</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Action Point<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Find out the areas where you
have been exercising unbelief and repent today. <o:p></o:p></b></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18330021561236640643noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2543426949852360781.post-16931543732162920782016-10-20T07:54:00.000+01:002016-10-20T07:58:53.652+01:00Alone With God (OPEN HEAVENS Devotional)<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b>OPEN HEAVENS Devotional – Thursday
October 20<sup>th</sup> 2016</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b>TOPIC:</b><b><span style="background: white; color: #3366ff; font-family: "gabriola"; font-size: 20.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span>I KNOW YOUR WORKS V<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipNzRpEolJhjPtv_ndqesM0or4HcDjn-PJOMhDuPUuDzP1mIgSZXOAc5EHyQhoPN9KDFITa4Kfq2JGuTOAm6f3QBxNPuD5fbmU16QuBOd_LKGJFCtZRoIXMmbXTSPnPbHuVA9ZTreiS813/s1600/Open+Heavens+2016.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipNzRpEolJhjPtv_ndqesM0or4HcDjn-PJOMhDuPUuDzP1mIgSZXOAc5EHyQhoPN9KDFITa4Kfq2JGuTOAm6f3QBxNPuD5fbmU16QuBOd_LKGJFCtZRoIXMmbXTSPnPbHuVA9ZTreiS813/s1600/Open+Heavens+2016.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Memorize: Watch and pray, that
ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is
weak. Matthew 26:41<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Read: Revelation 3:1-6,<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><sup><br /></sup></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><sup>1 </sup>And unto the
angel of the church in Sardis write; These things saith he that hath the seven
Spirits of God, and the seven stars; I know thy works, that thou hast a name
that thou livest, and art dead.<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><sup>2 </sup>Be watchful,
and strengthen the things which remain, that are ready to die: for I have not
found thy works perfect before God.<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><sup>3 </sup>Remember
therefore how thou hast received and heard, and hold fast, and repent. If
therefore thou shalt not watch, I will come on thee as a thief, and thou shalt
not know what hour I will come upon thee.<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><sup>4 </sup>Thou hast a
few names even in Sardis which have not defiled their garments; and they shall
walk with me in white: for they are worthy.<sup><o:p></o:p></sup></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><sup>5 </sup>He that
overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I will not blot out
his name out of the book of life, but I will confess his name before my Father,
and before his angels.<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><sup>6 </sup>He that hath
an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Bible in one year: Joel 1-3,
Psalms 82<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b></b></div>
<a name='more'></a><b><br /></b>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b>MESSAGE<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Our Lord Jesus Christ is the
most practical personality that has ever lived on the earth. This should not be
surprising, since He is both God and man; He came to show us the way to live a
victorious and fulfilled life. He affirmed that He came that we may have life
and to have it more abundantly (John 10:10). <o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b>In the Lord’s letter to the
Church at Sardis, He told the Church that they were living in self-delusion;
that they thought they were vibrant and full of life, whereas, they were half
dead and something must be done urgently to preserve the remaining half of
their lives, because their works were not perfect before God. They were to
watch and pray to rejuvenate their spirituality. Our compassionate Lord, who
would not want anyone, particularly those who have confessed Him as Lord to
perish is here in today’s reading appealing to and warning the Church to
remember how they started and hold fast the Word of truth. One lesson here is
that God is not interested in the death of a backslider but that the backslider
should repent and be saved.<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b>“Turn, O backsliding children,
saith the Lord; for I am married unto you; and I will take you one of a city,
and two of a family, and I will bring you to Zion.” Jeremiah 3:14<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Another interesting lesson we
must learn from today’s reading is that the Almighty God knows the state and
details of our lives, both spiritually and physically. In spite of the
indictment of the imperfect works of the Church at Sardis, the Lord still revealed
the truth that not all the members of the Church were corrupt. <o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b>“Thou hast a few names even in
Sardis which have not defiled their garments; and they shall walk with me in
white: for they are worthy.” Revelations 3:4<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b>The accurate judge said that
there are names (though few) that are worthy! I pray that you will be declared
worthy in Jesus’ name. However, you have to watch over your soul in this
pervert generation and pray always if you will be worthy at the end of the age.
Moreover, the Lord promised that He would judge individuals in the church,
according to each person’s deeds. There shall be no collective responsibility
when it comes to spiritual accountability. <o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b>“The soul that sinneth, it
shall die. The son shall not bear the iniquity of the father; neither shall the
father bear the iniquity of the son: the righteousness of the righteous shall
be upon him, and the wickedness of the wicked shall be upon him.” Ezekiel 18:20 <o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Action Point <o:p></o:p></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Since the Lord knows your
works; take a self-examination of yourself and see where you need to repent,
watch and pray for restoration.<o:p></o:p></b></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18330021561236640643noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2543426949852360781.post-51902871824477410582016-10-19T08:40:00.000+01:002016-10-19T08:40:08.089+01:00Alone With God (OPEN HEAVENS Devotional)<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b>OPEN HEAVENS Devotional – Wednesday
October 19<sup>th</sup> 2016</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b>TOPIC:</b><b><span style="background: white; color: #3366ff; font-family: "gabriola"; font-size: 20.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span>I KNOW YOUR WORKS IV<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipNzRpEolJhjPtv_ndqesM0or4HcDjn-PJOMhDuPUuDzP1mIgSZXOAc5EHyQhoPN9KDFITa4Kfq2JGuTOAm6f3QBxNPuD5fbmU16QuBOd_LKGJFCtZRoIXMmbXTSPnPbHuVA9ZTreiS813/s1600/Open+Heavens+2016.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipNzRpEolJhjPtv_ndqesM0or4HcDjn-PJOMhDuPUuDzP1mIgSZXOAc5EHyQhoPN9KDFITa4Kfq2JGuTOAm6f3QBxNPuD5fbmU16QuBOd_LKGJFCtZRoIXMmbXTSPnPbHuVA9ZTreiS813/s1600/Open+Heavens+2016.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Memorize: This is a true
saying, if a man desire the office of a bishop, he desireth a good work. A
bishop then must be blameless… 1<sup>st</sup> Timothy 3:1-2a<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Read:</b><b><span style="background: white; color: red; font-family: "gabriola"; font-size: 20.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span>Revelations 2:18-24,<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><sup>18 </sup>And unto
the angel of the church in Thyatira write; These things saith the Son of God,
who hath his eyes like unto a flame of fire, and his feet are like fine brass;<sup><o:p></o:p></sup></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><sup>19 </sup>I know thy
works, and charity, and service, and faith, and thy patience, and thy works;
and the last to be more than the first.<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><sup>20 </sup>Notwithstanding
I have a few things against thee, because thou sufferest that woman Jezebel,
which calleth herself a prophetess, to teach and to seduce my servants to
commit fornication, and to eat things sacrificed unto idols.<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><sup>21 </sup>And I gave
her space to repent of her fornication; and she repented not.<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><sup>22 </sup>Behold, I
will cast her into a bed, and them that commit adultery with her into great
tribulation, except they repent of their deeds.<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><sup>23 </sup>And I will
kill her children with death; and all the churches shall know that I am he
which searcheth the reins and hearts: and I will give unto every one of you
according to your works.<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><sup>24 </sup>But unto
you I say, and unto the rest in Thyatira, as many as have not this doctrine,
and which have not known the depths of Satan, as they speak; I will put upon
you none other burden.<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Bible in one year: Hosea
11-14, Psalms 81<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b></b></div>
<a name='more'></a><b><br /></b>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b>MESSAGE<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b>It is amazing and at the same
time fearful to realise that the Almighty God takes note of the so-called minor
misses of the Church as seen in today’s Bible reading. God is mindful of
those who occupy His altar and He will hold in contempt, not only those who
climb the altar with profanity but also those who allow them to climb. <o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b>In Revelation 2:20, God said:<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b>“Notwithstanding I have a few
things against thee, because thou sufferest that woman Jezebel, which calleth
herself a prophetess, to teach and to seduce my servants to commit fornication,
and to eat things sacrificed unto idols.”<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b>The first lesson to be learnt
from today’s reading is in verse 18. The One that is assessing the Church
in Thyatira has eyes like unto a flame of fire! In other words, He sees
everything done in secret and in public. Absolutely nothing is hidden from Him. Psalms
139:11-12 says:<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b>“If I say, Surely the darkness
shall cover me; even the night shall be light about me. Yea, the darkness
hideth not from thee; but the light shineth as the day; the darkness and the
light are both alike to thee.”<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b>As we have mentioned over and
over, the Almighty God knows the details of our service. This should always be
a consolation to us, especially when it seems our services in the Church are
not being appreciated. Know this, your Father in heaven who sees in secret will
always reward you in the open. If you are a Deacon and you labour for the
church like the General Overseer, it will amaze you that the reward of a
General Overseer will pursue, overtake and stay with you. David was fighting
like the commander-in-chief of the hosts of Israel and God rewarded him
handsomely in many respects even before he was crowned. The greatest lesson
with a strong warning is that your service is not perfect when it is laden with
immorality and any form of evil. A Church is in danger when she allows
profanity to take over the sanctuary. The Lord is warning someone using this
devotional that has been using service to cover up his or her immorality and
greed. Please, repent today and stop polluting the sanctuary of the Lord. The consequences
of your defiant attitude to this warning are severe as seen in Revelation
2:22-23. </b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b>May the Almighty God have mercy in Jesus’ name. <o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Prayer Point<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Father, wherever I have been
missing it in my service to You, please help me make amends.<o:p></o:p></b></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18330021561236640643noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2543426949852360781.post-63059259623567175322016-10-18T08:32:00.000+01:002016-10-18T08:32:06.909+01:00Alone With God (OPEN HEAVENS Devotional)<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b>OPEN HEAVENS Devotional – Tuesday
October 18<sup>th</sup> 2016</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b>TOPIC:</b><b><span style="background: white; color: #3366ff; font-family: "gabriola"; font-size: 20.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span>I KNOW YOUR WORKS III<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipNzRpEolJhjPtv_ndqesM0or4HcDjn-PJOMhDuPUuDzP1mIgSZXOAc5EHyQhoPN9KDFITa4Kfq2JGuTOAm6f3QBxNPuD5fbmU16QuBOd_LKGJFCtZRoIXMmbXTSPnPbHuVA9ZTreiS813/s1600/Open+Heavens+2016.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipNzRpEolJhjPtv_ndqesM0or4HcDjn-PJOMhDuPUuDzP1mIgSZXOAc5EHyQhoPN9KDFITa4Kfq2JGuTOAm6f3QBxNPuD5fbmU16QuBOd_LKGJFCtZRoIXMmbXTSPnPbHuVA9ZTreiS813/s1600/Open+Heavens+2016.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Memorize: Now the Spirit
speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith,
giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils; 1<sup>st</sup> Timothy
4:1<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Read: Revelation 2:12-17,<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><sup>12 </sup>And to the
angel of the church in Pergamos write; These things saith he which hath the
sharp sword with two edges;<sup><o:p></o:p></sup></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><sup>13 </sup>I know thy
works, and where thou dwellest, even where Satan's seat is: and thou holdest
fast my name, and hast not denied my faith, even in those days wherein Antipas
was my faithful martyr, who was slain among you, where Satan dwelleth.<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><sup>14 </sup>But I have
a few things against thee, because thou hast there them that hold the doctrine
of Balaam, who taught Balak to cast a stumbling block before the children of
Israel, to eat things sacrificed unto idols, and to commit fornication.<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><sup>15 </sup>So hast
thou also them that hold the doctrine of the Nicolaitanes, which thing I hate.<sup><o:p></o:p></sup></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><sup>16 </sup>Repent; or
else I will come unto thee quickly, and will fight against them with the sword
of my mouth.<sup><o:p></o:p></sup></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><sup>17 </sup>He that
hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that
overcometh will I give to eat of the hidden manna, and will give him a white
stone, and in the stone a new name written, which no man knoweth saving he that
receiveth it.<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Bible in one year: Hosea 6-10,
Psalms 80:8-19<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b></b></div>
<a name='more'></a><b><br /></b>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b>MESSAGE<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b>In the Bible reading, Jesus
Christ commended the Church in Pergamos, reassuring them that nothing about
them is hidden from Him. The interesting thing about this Church is that in
spite of the nearness of the Church to the seat of Satan, they still held on to
the Name of Jesus Christ, they never denied their faith even in the face of
terrible persecution. However, Jesus Christ had a serious allegation against
them. They tolerated in their midst those who were holding on to and practising
false doctrines. This is a food for thought for Christians of the 21<sup>st</sup> century.
In this end-time, we compromise a lot of the apostolic orthodox in the name of
civilization and fundamental human rights. We have forgotten that just as God
is not a democrat, He is also not a human activist. He has His set of rules
that we must abide by, however, we compromise this divine standard because we
think we can through that, win these blasphemers into the Kingdom. <o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b>As a matter of fact, because
we have tolerated them so much, they now see themselves as Christians too,
setting worldly standard for the Church as they dangle their wealth at the
saints.<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Will Jesus not hate such a
compromise in the name of magnanimity when it becomes a stumbling block to the
saints? The saints are living their first love because of the doctrine of Balaam.
This compromise spoiled the good works of the Church in Pergamos. In Revelations
2:16, Jesus warned the Church:<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b>“Repent; or else I will come
unto thee quickly, and will fight against them with the sword of my mouth.”<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b>One major revelation in this
passage is that the message of repentance was preached to the Church in
Pergamos. We are hereby encouraged to heed this warning too, so that we can
overcome these temptations through genuine repentance. When we overcome, our
reward will be the hidden manna and a testimonial of perfection written on
precious stone. <o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Beloved, do not be deceived by
your longevity in Church. God knows your works and He will reward you
accordingly.<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Prayer Point<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Father, help me to
disassociate myself from worldly pollution.<o:p></o:p></b></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18330021561236640643noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2543426949852360781.post-76456082360285858062016-10-14T07:46:00.000+01:002016-10-14T07:46:31.238+01:00Alone With God (OPEN HEAVENS Devotional)<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b>OPEN HEAVENS Devotional – Friday
October 14<sup>th</sup> 2016</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b>TOPIC:</b><b><span style="background: white; color: #3366ff; font-family: "gabriola"; font-size: 20.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span>PROVEN WEAPON?<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipNzRpEolJhjPtv_ndqesM0or4HcDjn-PJOMhDuPUuDzP1mIgSZXOAc5EHyQhoPN9KDFITa4Kfq2JGuTOAm6f3QBxNPuD5fbmU16QuBOd_LKGJFCtZRoIXMmbXTSPnPbHuVA9ZTreiS813/s1600/Open+Heavens+2016.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipNzRpEolJhjPtv_ndqesM0or4HcDjn-PJOMhDuPUuDzP1mIgSZXOAc5EHyQhoPN9KDFITa4Kfq2JGuTOAm6f3QBxNPuD5fbmU16QuBOd_LKGJFCtZRoIXMmbXTSPnPbHuVA9ZTreiS813/s1600/Open+Heavens+2016.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Memorize: The name of the Lord
is a strong tower: the righteous runneth into it, and is safe. Proverbs 18:10<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Read: 1<sup>st</sup> Samuel
17:38-47,<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><sup>38 </sup>And Saul
armed David with his armour, and he put an helmet of brass upon his head; also
he armed him with a coat of mail.<sup><o:p></o:p></sup></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><sup>39 </sup>And David
girded his sword upon his armour, and he assayed to go; for he had not proved
it. And David said unto Saul, I cannot go with these; for I have not proved
them. And David put them off him.<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><sup>40 </sup>And he took
his staff in his hand, and chose him five smooth stones out of the brook, and
put them in a shepherd's bag which he had, even in a scrip; and his sling was
in his hand: and he drew near to the Philistine.<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><sup>41 </sup>And the
Philistine came on and drew near unto David; and the man that bare the shield went
before him.<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><sup>42 </sup>And when
the Philistine looked about, and saw David, he disdained him: for he was but a
youth, and ruddy, and of a fair countenance.<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><sup>43 </sup>And the
Philistine said unto David, Am I a dog, that thou comest to me with staves? And
the Philistine cursed David by his gods.<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><sup>44 </sup>And the
Philistine said to David, Come to me, and I will give thy flesh unto the fowls
of the air, and to the beasts of the field.<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><sup>45 </sup>Then said
David to the Philistine, Thou comest to me with a sword, and with a spear, and
with a shield: but I come to thee in the name of the Lord of hosts,
the God of the armies of Israel, whom thou hast defied.<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><sup>46 </sup>This day
will the Lord deliver thee into mine hand; and I will smite thee, and
take thine head from thee; and I will give the carcases of the host of the
Philistines this day unto the fowls of the air, and to the wild beasts of the
earth; that all the earth may know that there is a God in Israel.<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><sup>47 </sup>And all
this assembly shall know that the Lord saveth not with sword and spear:
for the battle is the Lord's, and he will give you into our hands.<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Bible in one year: Daniel 7-8,
Psalms 78:40-55<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b></b></div>
<a name='more'></a><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b>MESSAGE<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b>One unfortunate thing about
the spiritual warfare of this end-time is that many warriors of the Cross use
weapons that have not been proven. As a result, they either die on the
battlefield or become prisoners of spiritual wars.<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Many of us are familiar with
the story of David and Goliath, but it is possible that we missed one or two
lessons in the story. As we continue to read and mediate on this popular story,
we can gain insights into more reasons why the story was recorded for us to
learn from. The first lesson we can learn is the fact that king Saul, as bad as
his state of spirituality might have been as at that time was very concerned
about the safety of the young man who was proving to be a “dare devil”. He put
on David the weapons of his own defence. The question is; if this armour could
help, how come the original owner did not use it to free his nation from the
threat of the giant? We can quickly learn that it is a curse to be under a weak
or discouraged leader. What saved the day was that David realised that the
battle was not just a physical battle. So, he quickly turned spiritual in his
approach to the battle with, (humanly speaking) the most ridiculous weapon of
war. In fact, Goliath himself felt that the battle had turned to a comic
drama. 1<sup>st</sup> Samuel
17:42-43:<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b>“And when the Philistine
looked about, and saw David, he disdained him: for he was but a youth, and
ruddy, and of a fair countenance. And the Philistine said unto David, Am I a
dog, that thou comest to me with staves? And the Philistine cursed David by his
gods.”<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Another lesson, particularly
from the above scripture is that in spite of the disdainful weapon that David
was carrying, Goliath still employed his spiritual allies; he cursed David by
his gods. How I wish that all children of God will realise that it is not the
grammar of the language they use that will do the work of conversion; it is by
the Spirit of our God. Human methods have never worked in the history of the
Church, men and women of God who succeeded in the ministry were those who
allowed the Spirit rather than self might, power or administrative acumen to
lead in their ministries. David was a better match for this warrior who was
fighting through the spirit of divination and sorcery. He said: “…Thou comest
to me with a sword, and with a spear, and with a shield: but I come to thee in
the name of the Lord of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom thou hast
defied.” The end of the story was victory for Israel and great defeat for the
Philistines. David used the weapon he had proven and found to be true; the name
of the Lord. <o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Action Point<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Use the Name of the Lord to
confront the battles you are facing today and you will see them crumble before
you. The Name is lethal.<o:p></o:p></b></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18330021561236640643noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2543426949852360781.post-85765202196248835032016-10-13T07:50:00.000+01:002016-10-13T07:50:55.669+01:00Alone With God (OPEN HEAVENS Devotional)<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b>OPEN HEAVENS Devotional – Thursday
October 13<sup>th</sup> 2016</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b>TOPIC:</b><b><span style="background: white; color: #3366ff; font-family: "gabriola"; font-size: 20.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span>DIVINE PARTNERSHIP<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipNzRpEolJhjPtv_ndqesM0or4HcDjn-PJOMhDuPUuDzP1mIgSZXOAc5EHyQhoPN9KDFITa4Kfq2JGuTOAm6f3QBxNPuD5fbmU16QuBOd_LKGJFCtZRoIXMmbXTSPnPbHuVA9ZTreiS813/s1600/Open+Heavens+2016.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipNzRpEolJhjPtv_ndqesM0or4HcDjn-PJOMhDuPUuDzP1mIgSZXOAc5EHyQhoPN9KDFITa4Kfq2JGuTOAm6f3QBxNPuD5fbmU16QuBOd_LKGJFCtZRoIXMmbXTSPnPbHuVA9ZTreiS813/s1600/Open+Heavens+2016.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Memorize: Blessed is he that
considereth the poor: the Lord will deliver him in time of trouble. Psalms 41:1<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Read: Psalms 41:1-3,<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><sup> 1 </sup>Blessed
is he that considereth the poor: the Lord will deliver him in time of
trouble.<sup> <o:p></o:p></sup></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><sup>2 </sup>The Lord will
preserve him, and keep him alive; and he shall be blessed upon the earth: and
thou wilt not deliver him unto the will of his enemies.<sup><o:p></o:p></sup></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><sup>3 </sup>The Lord will
strengthen him upon the bed of languishing: thou wilt make all his bed in his
sickness.<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><sup><br /></sup></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><sup> </sup>Bible in one year: Daniel 4:34-6:28,
Psalms 78:17-39<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b></b></div>
<a name='more'></a><b><br /></b>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b>MESSAGE<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b>When is the link between
divine partnership and consideration of the poor? As we may know, divine
partnership has to do with partnering with the Almighty God. What is the
connection between being in the same business with God and our attitude towards
the poor? In our Bible reading for today, we discover that when we remember and
help the poor, the Lord will deliver us from trouble. The reason is that the
Almighty God watches over the poor and listens to their cry. When you respond
to the cry of the poor, you are responding on behalf of their Maker who will in
return replenish your pocket. The Bible says in Proverbs 19:17:<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b>“He that hath pity upon the
poor lendeth unto the Lord; and that which he hath given will he pay him
again.”<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Another thing that will happen
to someone in divine partnership is that the fellow shall be preserved. The
tendency is high and it is common to many cultures that the poor live at the
mercy of the rich. In Isaiah 3:14, the Bible says:<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b>“The Lord will enter into
judgment with the ancients of his people and the princes thereof: for ye have
eaten up the vineyard; the spoil of the poor is in your houses.”<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b>So, when someone decides to
take care of the poor instead of maltreating them, the Lord will preserve the
fellow so that he can continue the good work. The one who panthers with God in
taking care of the poor earns longevity for himself. The Lord promised in His
Word that whoever spares the poor of violence shall live. The Bible says that
the poor shall never cease out of the land, therefore, He commanded us to
remember the poor and the needy (Deuteronomy 15:4-11). When we partner with God
in taking care of the poor, the Lord will bless us mightily beyond our wildest
imagination.<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Another blessing which accrues
from partnering with God via taking care of the poor, is that the Lord promised
to deliver us from the will of our enemies. Every right thinking fellow will do
all things possible to keep a dutiful servant alive. Divine healing is the
portion of whoever will take it upon himself to care for the poor on behalf of
God. The Lord promised to visit the caretakers of the poor on their sick beds
if at all they become sick; and when He visits, healing is guaranteed. The Lord
also promised to make your bed for you if you will remember the poor and meet
him at the point of his or her need. Beloved, there are many ways whereby we
can partner with God; caring for the poor is one. We can learn a lesson from
developed countries that take care of the poor. They are more comfortable than
those countries which have no plan for the poor in the land. This is a food for
thought for developing countries.<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Action Point<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Draw up a charity plan for the
poor around you and prayerfully embark on helping them in your own little way.<o:p></o:p></b></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18330021561236640643noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2543426949852360781.post-68360089864727610402016-10-12T07:46:00.000+01:002016-10-12T07:46:53.587+01:00Alone With God (OPEN HEAVENS Devotional)<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b>OPEN HEAVENS Devotional – Wednesday
October 12<sup>th </sup>2016</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b>TOPIC:</b><b><span style="background: white; color: #3366ff; font-family: "gabriola"; font-size: 20.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span>THE BELIEVER’S AUTHORITY II<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipNzRpEolJhjPtv_ndqesM0or4HcDjn-PJOMhDuPUuDzP1mIgSZXOAc5EHyQhoPN9KDFITa4Kfq2JGuTOAm6f3QBxNPuD5fbmU16QuBOd_LKGJFCtZRoIXMmbXTSPnPbHuVA9ZTreiS813/s1600/Open+Heavens+2016.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipNzRpEolJhjPtv_ndqesM0or4HcDjn-PJOMhDuPUuDzP1mIgSZXOAc5EHyQhoPN9KDFITa4Kfq2JGuTOAm6f3QBxNPuD5fbmU16QuBOd_LKGJFCtZRoIXMmbXTSPnPbHuVA9ZTreiS813/s1600/Open+Heavens+2016.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Memorize: Behold, I give unto
you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the
enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you. Luke 10:19<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Read: Luke 10:17-20,<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><sup><br /></sup></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><sup>17 </sup>And the
seventy returned again with joy, saying, Lord, even the devils are subject unto
us through thy name.<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><sup>18 </sup>And he said
unto them, I beheld Satan as lightning fall from heaven.<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><sup>19 </sup>Behold, I
give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the powers
of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you.<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><sup>20 </sup>Notwithstanding
in this rejoice not, that the spirits are subject unto you; but rather rejoice,
because your names are written in heaven.<sup><o:p></o:p></sup></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Bible in one year: Daniel
3:1-4:33, Psalms 78:9-16<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b></b></div>
<a name='more'></a><b><br /></b>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b>MESSAGE<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b>As it was pointed out
yesterday, the power and authority which Jesus Christ has made available to
believers cannot be imagined by natural minds. Some people subject themselves
to life-long bondage because they are looking for power and protection outside
Jesus.<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Hebrews 2:14-15 says: <o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b>“Forasmuch then as the
children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part
of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of
death, that is, the devil; And deliver them who through fear of death were all
their lifetime subject to bondage.”<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b>One of my spiritual children
testified that it was the grace of Jesus Christ that prevented him from
entangling himself in occultism. Before he met the Lord, he had determined to
join as many secret societies as could be found on the earth, to ensure his
security. Fortunately for him, he met the Lord and he is now exercising the
authority of a believer.<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Beloved, the believer’s
authority is yours if you genuinely accept Jesus Christ. This authority was
given to us without measure. Our Lord said He has given to us authority over
all the powers of the enemy and that nothing will by any means hurt us. When we
rely on this, we will live our lives in peace even in the midst of a storm. Our
Lord Jesus Christ is in the boat, it will not capsize. </b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b>However, we must use the
authority to our advantage. The story was told of a man who inherited magical
powers to ward off evil and dispel whoever might want to harm him on a journey
which he set for himself. As he started on the journey, he sighted robbers, instead of putting the magic power to use; he started shivering, and cringing. His wife then burst into a song "encouraging" her husband to keep on shivering because that is how he usually shiversto kill hundreds and thousands. The robbers, aking the song to be true of the man, ran away for their lives. And that was
how the woman saved the day for her husband. The lesson we should learn from
this story is that, though the authority to conquer the devil and his cohorts
are available, unless we exercise it in holy boldness, we remain as powerless
ad though it isn’t available. To exercise authority over sickness, demonic
oppression, poverty and all unpleasant situations, we need to be believers
indeed by being born again through faith in Jesus Christ our Saviour. Also, we
need to live according to the Word of God. We must be doers of the Word because
it is the authority of the Word that we honour that can help us in times of
trouble.<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Action Point<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Begin to exercise faith in the
Son of the Living God, and you will experience the supernatural.<o:p></o:p></b></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18330021561236640643noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2543426949852360781.post-83704227785737905612016-10-11T07:40:00.000+01:002016-10-11T07:40:31.210+01:00Alone With God (OPEN HEAVENS Devotional)<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b>OPEN HEAVENS Devotional – Tuesday
October 11<sup>th</sup> 2016</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b>TOPIC:</b><b><span style="background: white; color: #3366ff; font-family: "gabriola"; font-size: 20.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span>THE BELIEVER’S AUTHORITY I<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipNzRpEolJhjPtv_ndqesM0or4HcDjn-PJOMhDuPUuDzP1mIgSZXOAc5EHyQhoPN9KDFITa4Kfq2JGuTOAm6f3QBxNPuD5fbmU16QuBOd_LKGJFCtZRoIXMmbXTSPnPbHuVA9ZTreiS813/s1600/Open+Heavens+2016.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipNzRpEolJhjPtv_ndqesM0or4HcDjn-PJOMhDuPUuDzP1mIgSZXOAc5EHyQhoPN9KDFITa4Kfq2JGuTOAm6f3QBxNPuD5fbmU16QuBOd_LKGJFCtZRoIXMmbXTSPnPbHuVA9ZTreiS813/s1600/Open+Heavens+2016.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Memorize: Then He called his
twelve disciples together, and gave them power and authority over all devils,
and to cure diseases. Luke 9:1<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Read: Luke 9:1-6,<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><sup><br /></sup></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><sup>1 </sup>Then he
called his twelve disciples together, and gave them power and authority over
all devils, and to cure diseases.<sup><o:p></o:p></sup></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><sup>2 </sup>And he sent
them to preach the kingdom of God, and to heal the sick.<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><sup>3 </sup>And he said
unto them, Take nothing for your journey, neither staves, nor scrip, neither
bread, neither money; neither have two coats apiece.<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><sup>4 </sup>And
whatsoever house ye enter into, there abide, and thence depart.<sup><o:p></o:p></sup></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><sup>5 </sup>And
whosoever will not receive you, when ye go out of that city, shake off the very
dust from your feet for a testimony against them.<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><sup>6 </sup>And they
departed, and went through the towns, preaching the gospel, and healing
everywhere.<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Bible in one year: Daniel 1-2,
Psalms 78:1-8<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b></b></div>
<a name='more'></a><b><br /></b>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b>MESSAGE<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b>A believer’s power and
authority are two potent legacies that are highly irresistible beyond any man’s
imagination. However, it is unfortunate that many children of God do not
recognize them. This is the reason why the devil batters them on every side. As
a result of this ignorance, the victor becomes a victim of circumstances. I
pray for someone using this devotional; you will never be a victim of
circumstances in Jesus’ name.<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Power is the ability to
perform a function and this is what Jesus Christ has made available to all His
genuine disciples. Authority is more valuable than power because you can have
the ability to do something, but if you don’t have the authority, you may not
be able to. For example, with the power of the gun, you can hunt wildlife in
the jungle, but if you are not licensed to hunt wildlife in the jungle, but if
you are not licensed to hurt and you do, you may be jailed. In John 5:25-27 the
Bible says:<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b>“Verily, verily, I say unto
you, the hour is coming, and now is, when the dead shall hear the voice of the
Son of God: and they that hear shall live. For as the Father hath life in
himself; so hath he given to the Son to have life in himself; and hath given
him authority to execute judgement also, because he is the Son of man.”<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Interestingly, according to
today’s memory verse, this power and the authority to perform have been given
to us by our Lord Jesus Christ:<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b>“Then He called his twelve
disciples together, and gave them power and authority over all devils, and to
cure diseases.”<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b>When a (so called) child of
God is now caught in situations that are unbecoming of a saint and he then says
“it is the work of the devil!” such a believer does not know the authority he
has. The power to live above sin is made available through the work of
redemption that Jesus Christ wrought at Calvary. The Bible says in 1<sup>st</sup> John
3:8:<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b>“He that commiteth sin is of
the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning. For this purpose the Son
of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil.”<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b>When you come to Jesus Christ
and you believe that He came to save you from the power of sin, He will not
only forgive you, but will also give you the power to go and sin no more (John
8:11). This is the assurance that we have; that the grace of Jesus Christ will
deliver us from the dominion of sin (Romans 6:14). My prayer is that you will
not be beaten by the power of sin in Jesus’ name.<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Prayer Point<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b>I prophesy to my life: I will
no longer be a victim of sin, but a victor in Christ Jesus. Amen.<o:p></o:p></b></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18330021561236640643noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2543426949852360781.post-16207189384925991192016-10-10T07:54:00.000+01:002016-10-10T07:54:52.632+01:00Alone With God (OPEN HEAVENS Devotional)<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b>OPEN HEAVENS Devotional – Monday
October 10<sup>th</sup> 2016<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b>TOPIC:</b><b><span style="background: white; color: #3366ff; font-family: "gabriola"; font-size: 20.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span>FAITH LIKE A CHILD’S?<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipNzRpEolJhjPtv_ndqesM0or4HcDjn-PJOMhDuPUuDzP1mIgSZXOAc5EHyQhoPN9KDFITa4Kfq2JGuTOAm6f3QBxNPuD5fbmU16QuBOd_LKGJFCtZRoIXMmbXTSPnPbHuVA9ZTreiS813/s1600/Open+Heavens+2016.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipNzRpEolJhjPtv_ndqesM0or4HcDjn-PJOMhDuPUuDzP1mIgSZXOAc5EHyQhoPN9KDFITa4Kfq2JGuTOAm6f3QBxNPuD5fbmU16QuBOd_LKGJFCtZRoIXMmbXTSPnPbHuVA9ZTreiS813/s1600/Open+Heavens+2016.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Memorize: And said, Verily I
say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall
not enter into the kingdom of heaven. Matthew 18:3<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Read: Matthew 18:1-6,<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><sup>1 </sup>At the same
time came the disciples unto Jesus, saying, Who is the greatest in the kingdom
of heaven?<sup><o:p></o:p></sup></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><sup>2 </sup>And Jesus
called a little child unto him, and set him in the midst of them,<sup><o:p></o:p></sup></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><sup>3 </sup>And said,
Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children,
ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven.<sup><o:p></o:p></sup></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><sup>4 </sup>Whosoever
therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in
the kingdom of heaven.<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><sup>5 </sup>And whoso
shall receive one such little child in my name receiveth me.<sup><o:p></o:p></sup></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><sup>6 </sup>But whoso
shall offend one of these little ones which believe in me, it were better for
him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and that he were drowned in
the depth of the sea.<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Bible in one year: Ezekiel
46:19-48:35, Psalms 77:11-20<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b></b><br />
<a name='more'></a><b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b>MESSAGE<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b>The child-like faith is what
everybody requires, not only to make it to heaven but also to enjoy his or her
days on the earth. If we do not believe this because it sounds illogical, we
must believe it because Jesus said it. What is then required of us is to pray for
the kind of faith that is comparable with that of a little child. The first
thing about a little child is that he is very trusting. In my living room
several years ago, there used to be a portrait of a little child looking so
innocent with the inscription; “Non Problem”. The faith that will enable us not
to see problems but see only God who specialises in solving problems is the
best for us.<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Another characteristic trait
of little children is that they forgive easily. Unlike adults who keep malice,
children forgive and forget the wrong done to them almost immediately after
it’s done. </b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b>The Bible says in Ephesians 4:32:<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b>“And be ye kind one to
another, tender hearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake
hath forgiven you.”<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Children fulfil his Biblical
injunction freely. Children could be very generous with their things except in
some unusual occasions. Without knowing the spiritual implication of their
actions, children are tender hearted with their peers. This is exactly what God
wants from us. In Colossians 3:12-13, the Bible also says:<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b>“Put on therefore, as the
elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of
mind, meekness, longsuffering; Forbearing one another and forgive one another,
if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do
ye.”<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b>There are many blessings we
will access from the throne of God our Father if we can begin to take after
children. For example, if we freely forgive those who wrong us like a child
will do, our prayers will receive quick answers from God. In Mark 11:25,
Jesus Christ said:<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b>“And when ye stand praying,
forgive, if ye have aught against any: that your Father also which is in heaven
may forgive you your trespasses.”<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b>This instruction that comes
from our Lord is simply saying that before we pray, we must first forgive! We
can see the reason many of our prayers are not answered; we refuse to forgive.
I pray that a user of this devotional will find grace to forgive and be kind
hearted in Jesus’name.<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Prayer Point<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Father, please help my faith
and transform me to be able to forgive freely and be tender hearted in Jesus’
name.<o:p></o:p></b></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18330021561236640643noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2543426949852360781.post-26952594066205175362016-10-06T07:53:00.000+01:002016-10-06T07:53:32.370+01:00Alone With God (OPEN HEAVENS Devotional)<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b>OPEN HEAVENS Devotional – Thursday
October 6<sup>th</sup> 2016</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b>TOPIC:</b><b><span style="background: white; color: #3366ff; font-family: "gabriola"; font-size: 20.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span>THIEVES IN THE SANCTUARY II <o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipNzRpEolJhjPtv_ndqesM0or4HcDjn-PJOMhDuPUuDzP1mIgSZXOAc5EHyQhoPN9KDFITa4Kfq2JGuTOAm6f3QBxNPuD5fbmU16QuBOd_LKGJFCtZRoIXMmbXTSPnPbHuVA9ZTreiS813/s1600/Open+Heavens+2016.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipNzRpEolJhjPtv_ndqesM0or4HcDjn-PJOMhDuPUuDzP1mIgSZXOAc5EHyQhoPN9KDFITa4Kfq2JGuTOAm6f3QBxNPuD5fbmU16QuBOd_LKGJFCtZRoIXMmbXTSPnPbHuVA9ZTreiS813/s1600/Open+Heavens+2016.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Memorize: Thou therefore which
teachest another; teachest not thyself? Thou that preachest a man should not
steal, does thou steal? Romans 2:21<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Read: 1<sup>st</sup> Samuel
2:12-17,<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><sup><br /></sup></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><sup>12 </sup>Now the sons
of Eli were sons of Belial; they knew not the Lord.<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><sup>13 </sup>And the
priest's custom with the people was, that, when any man offered sacrifice, the
priest's servant came, while the flesh was in seething, with a flesh hook of
three teeth in his hand;<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><sup>14 </sup>And he
struck it into the pan, or kettle, or caldron, or pot; all that the flesh hook
brought up the priest took for himself. So they did in Shiloh unto all the
Israelites that came thither.<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><sup>15 </sup>Also before
they burnt the fat, the priest's servant came, and said to the man that
sacrificed, Give flesh to roast for the priest; for he will not have sodden
flesh of thee, but raw.<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><sup>16 </sup>And if any
man said unto him, Let them not fail to burn the fat presently, and then take
as much as thy soul desireth; then he would answer him, Nay; but thou shalt
give it me now: and if not, I will take it by force.<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><sup>17 </sup>Wherefore
the sin of the young men was very great before the Lord: for men abhorred
the offering of the Lord.<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Bible in one year: Ezekiel
37:15-39:29, Psalms 74:12-23<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b></b></div>
<a name='more'></a><b><br /></b>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b>MESSAGE<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b>The worst of all thieves in
the church are the ministers who take the tithes, offerings and the first-fruits
collected from member for their personal use. You hear them say, “He who serves
at the Altar must eat from the Altar.” As true as this statement may be,
custodians of the Lord’s sanctuary should be wary of greed and the love of
money. 1<sup>st</sup>Timothy 6:10-11 says:<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b>“For the love of money is the
root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the
faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows. But thou, O man of
God, flee all things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love,
patience, meekness.”<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b>In the Bible reading for
today, the children of Eli corrupted the people’s sacrifice through greed.
Unfortunately, the same thing is happening today; some ministers of God,
through greed, have made the tithes, offerings and first-fruits that people
bring to the sanctuary unacceptable to God. Sometimes, members of the
congregation suspect this foul play and begin to ask the ministers in charge
what they use their tithes and offerings for. Though the ministers should be
accountable to God through men, however, the tithes and offerings become an
abomination before the Lord when the givers monitor it to the extent of wanting
to know what God does with it. This is the reason some people claim to be
paying their tithes and offerings and there is nothing to show for their giving.
<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b> In Matthew 6:3-4,
Jesus Christ said:<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b>“But when thou doest alms, let
not thy left hand know what thy right hand doeth: That thine alms may be in
secret: and thy Father which seeth in secret himself shall reward thee openly.”<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b>It is dangerous when brethren
are not being encouraged or motivated to give more because they do not have
anything to show for their previous giving. This happens when they begin to
develop a negative attitude towards the way their pastors handle the finances
of the Church. </b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Some people leave their local assembly to go and pay their
tithes and offerings elsewhere. This is counterproductive. Hence, the ministers
handling God’s assets must be very careful. They must not become thieves in the
sanctuary. The Lord enjoins us to fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on
eternal life whereunto we have been called, and kept away from the love of this
world. </b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b>If it is dangerous to rob God by not paying our tithes and offering, it
is deadly to steal out of the one that the brethren are faithfully contributing
for the advancement of the Kingdom business. We must learn from the children of
Eli and the children of Samuel himself (1<sup>st</sup> Samuel 8:1-5).<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Prayer Point<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Father, please deliver me from
the demon called mammon and don’t let me end up like Judas Iscariot.<o:p></o:p></b></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18330021561236640643noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2543426949852360781.post-85436907899317447992016-10-05T07:50:00.000+01:002016-10-05T07:50:55.865+01:00Alone With God (OPEN HEAVENS Devotional)<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b>OPEN HEAVENS Devotional – Wednesday
October 5<sup>th</sup> 2016</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b>TOPIC:</b><b><span style="background: white; color: #3366ff; font-family: "gabriola"; font-size: 20.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span>THIEVES IN THE SANCTUARY I <o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipNzRpEolJhjPtv_ndqesM0or4HcDjn-PJOMhDuPUuDzP1mIgSZXOAc5EHyQhoPN9KDFITa4Kfq2JGuTOAm6f3QBxNPuD5fbmU16QuBOd_LKGJFCtZRoIXMmbXTSPnPbHuVA9ZTreiS813/s1600/Open+Heavens+2016.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipNzRpEolJhjPtv_ndqesM0or4HcDjn-PJOMhDuPUuDzP1mIgSZXOAc5EHyQhoPN9KDFITa4Kfq2JGuTOAm6f3QBxNPuD5fbmU16QuBOd_LKGJFCtZRoIXMmbXTSPnPbHuVA9ZTreiS813/s1600/Open+Heavens+2016.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Memorize: Let him that stole
steal no more: but rather let him labour; working with his hands the thing
which is good, that he may have to give to him that needeth. Ephesians 4:28<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Read: Malachi 3:8-9,<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><sup><br /></sup></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><sup>8 </sup>Will a man
rob God? Yet ye have robbed me. But ye say, wherein have we robbed thee? In
tithes and offerings.<sup><o:p></o:p></sup></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><sup>9 </sup>Ye are
cursed with a curse: for ye have robbed me, even this whole nation.<sup><o:p></o:p></sup></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><sup><br /></sup></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><sup> </sup>Bible in one year</b><b><span style="background: white; color: red; font-family: "gabriola"; font-size: 20.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span>Ezekiel 35:1-37:14, Psalms 74:1-11<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b></b></div>
<a name='more'></a><b><br /></b>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b>MESSAGE<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b>One sad thing going on among
the children of God is that some are stealing from the sanctuary of God and the
people concerned are doing it with impunity. <o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b>There are many ways a person
can steal from the sanctuary of God. The most common way to almost every Bible
reading Christian is when you deny God one-tenth of your income, Malachi 3:8
says:<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b>“Will a man rob God? Yet ye
have robbed me. But ye say, Wherein have we robbed thee? In tithes and
offerings.”<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b>When someone eats all his
income without giving back one out of ten of it, the fellow is stealing from
the sanctuary, because the tithe belongs to the sanctuary of God.<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b>“Bring ye all the tithes into
the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now
herewith, saith the Lord of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of
heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to
receive it.” Malachi 3:10<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Another way of stealing from
the sanctuary is by refusing to give your first-fruit to the Lord as He
requested from His covenant people in Deuteronomy 26:2:<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b>“That thou shalt take of the
first of all the fruit of the earth, which thou shalt bring of thy land that
the Lord thy God giveth thee, and shalt put it in a basket, and shalt go unto
the place which the Lord thy God shall choose to place his name there.”<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Some people will argue that
the ordinance of the first fruit belongs to the Old Testament era. I have
always asked them about the numerous promises of God in the Old Testament which
they often quote and claim to their advantage. For example, I asked some of
them who took me up on whether the promise of being “the head and not the tail”
isn’t found in the New Testament. Or “The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not
want.” which is also in the book of Matthew. The truth of the matter is that
the scriptures which are favourable to the flesh are easily quoted and claimed.
Those that take the steam out of their so called personal freedom and finances
are pushed to the background. The first fruit is the property of the Almighty
God in His sanctuary. </b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b>We must give it to Him through the custodians of the
genuine sanctuary of God. I pray for someone using this devotional; the Holy
Spirit will convince you of the truth about tithes, offerings and first fruit. <o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Prayer Point<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Father, help me to abstain
from stealing from your sanctuary, and help me to perform the required
restitution for the damage I have done to Your honour, when I denied You of
Your tithes, offerings and first fruits.<o:p></o:p></b></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18330021561236640643noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2543426949852360781.post-74190569923188035822016-10-04T07:47:00.000+01:002016-10-04T07:47:23.562+01:00Alone With God (OPEN HEAVENS Devotional)<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b>OPEN HEAVENS Devotional – Tuesday
October 4<sup>th</sup> 2016</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b>TOPIC: ENDURE TILL THE END<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipNzRpEolJhjPtv_ndqesM0or4HcDjn-PJOMhDuPUuDzP1mIgSZXOAc5EHyQhoPN9KDFITa4Kfq2JGuTOAm6f3QBxNPuD5fbmU16QuBOd_LKGJFCtZRoIXMmbXTSPnPbHuVA9ZTreiS813/s1600/Open+Heavens+2016.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipNzRpEolJhjPtv_ndqesM0or4HcDjn-PJOMhDuPUuDzP1mIgSZXOAc5EHyQhoPN9KDFITa4Kfq2JGuTOAm6f3QBxNPuD5fbmU16QuBOd_LKGJFCtZRoIXMmbXTSPnPbHuVA9ZTreiS813/s1600/Open+Heavens+2016.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Memorize: And ye shall be
hated of all men for my name’s sake: but he that shall endure unto the end, the
same shall be saved. Mark 13:13<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Read: Mark 13:3-13,<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><sup>3 </sup>And as he
sat upon the mount of Olives over against the temple, Peter and James and John
and Andrew asked him privately,<sup><o:p></o:p></sup></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><sup>4 </sup>Tell us,
when shall these things be? and what shall be the sign when all these things
shall be fulfilled?<sup><o:p></o:p></sup></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><sup>5 </sup>And Jesus
answering them began to say, Take heed lest any man deceive you:<sup><o:p></o:p></sup></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><sup>6 </sup>For many
shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many.<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><sup>7 </sup>And when ye
shall hear of wars and rumours of wars, be ye not troubled: for such things
must needs be; but the end shall not be yet.<sup><o:p></o:p></sup></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><sup>8 </sup>For nation
shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be
earthquakes in diverse places, and there shall be famines and troubles: these
are the beginnings of sorrows.<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><sup>9 </sup>But take
heed to yourselves: for they shall deliver you up to councils; and in the
synagogues ye shall be beaten: and ye shall be brought before rulers and kings
for my sake, for a testimony against them.<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><sup>10 </sup>And the
gospel must first be published among all nations.<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><sup>11 </sup>But when
they shall lead you, and deliver you up, take no thought beforehand what ye
shall speak, neither do ye premeditate: but whatsoever shall be given you in
that hour, that speak ye: for it is not ye that speak, but the Holy Ghost.<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><sup>12 </sup>Now the
brother shall betray the brother to death, and the father the son; and children
shall rise up against their parents, and shall cause them to be put to death.<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><sup>13 </sup>And ye
shall be hated of all men for my name's sake: but he that shall endure unto the
end, the same shall be saved.<sup><o:p></o:p></sup></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><sup> </sup>Bible in one year:</b><b><span style="background: white; color: red; font-family: "gabriola"; font-size: 20.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span> Ezekiel 33:34, Psalms 73:18-28<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b></b></div>
<a name='more'></a><b><br /></b>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b>MESSAGE<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b>The Christian race is not a
short one but a marathon; you know there is a finish line but you can’t see it.
Our Lord Jesus Christ did not hide this truth from us when He said:<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b>“But of that day and hour
knoweth no man, no, not the angles of heaven, but my Father only.” Matthew
24:36<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b>To endure suggests that one
would have to live with some things that are not compatible with our nature.
This is a truth that some 21<sup>st</sup> century believers are not ready
to live with. Our Lord Jesus Christ said that we should come and learn of Him.
In the process of learning from Him, we must take His yoke upon us. The burden
of our Lord Jesus Christ is justice, righteousness; love for God and acceptable
service of humanity, particularly those in the household of faith. </b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b>The Bible
says:<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b>“As we have therefore
opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the
household of faith.” Galatians 6:10<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b>What calls for endurance in
Christian walk and why should we endure? Jesus Christ confronted the people of
old about the fact that they hated Him, because He stood for the truth which
His Father sent Him to tell the world.<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b>“… If ye were Abraham’s
children, ye would do the works of Abraham. But now ye seek to kill me, a man
that hath told you the truth, which I have heard of God: this did not Abraham …
If God were your Father, ye would love me: for I proceeded forth and came from
God; neither came I of myself, but he sent me.” John 8:39-40, 42<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Against this background, our
Lord Jesus Christ told His disciples and us by extension, that He was sending
us forth as sheep in the midst of wolves, and that we should be as wise as
serpents, and as harmless as doves. He went further to tell us what was to
come:<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b>“And ye shall be hated of all
men of my name’s sake: but he that endureth to the end shall be saved.” Mathew
10:22<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Beloved, as we journey through
the wilderness of this world towards our heavenly home, don’t let us forget
that this way is a narrow one. It takes a lot of discipline and self-denial to
scale through successfully. Straight is the gate and narrow is the way
according to the Words of our Lord Jesus Christ. Let us forge ahead and the
Lord will see us through to the heavenly Canaan in Jesus’ name. Whatever
situation that may warrant your backsliding shall be destroyed this day in the
mighty Name of Jesus Christ. Go into the world today and obtain your victory in
Jesus’ name. <o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Prayer Point<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Father, please see me through
the journey of life and don’t let me perish with the world.<o:p></o:p></b></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18330021561236640643noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2543426949852360781.post-14684006117315181202016-09-30T07:40:00.001+01:002016-09-30T07:40:50.877+01:00Alone With God (OPEN HEAVENS Devotional)<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b>OPEN HEAVENS Devotional – Friday
September 30<sup>th</sup> 2016</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b>TOPIC: GRACE, NOT DISGRACE<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipNzRpEolJhjPtv_ndqesM0or4HcDjn-PJOMhDuPUuDzP1mIgSZXOAc5EHyQhoPN9KDFITa4Kfq2JGuTOAm6f3QBxNPuD5fbmU16QuBOd_LKGJFCtZRoIXMmbXTSPnPbHuVA9ZTreiS813/s1600/Open+Heavens+2016.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipNzRpEolJhjPtv_ndqesM0or4HcDjn-PJOMhDuPUuDzP1mIgSZXOAc5EHyQhoPN9KDFITa4Kfq2JGuTOAm6f3QBxNPuD5fbmU16QuBOd_LKGJFCtZRoIXMmbXTSPnPbHuVA9ZTreiS813/s1600/Open+Heavens+2016.jpg" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Memorize: As it is written,
Behold, I lay in Zion a stumbling stone and rock of offence: and whosoever
believeth on him shall not be ashamed. Romans 9:33<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Read: Psalms 23:1-6,<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><sup><br /></sup></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><sup>1 </sup>The Lord is
my shepherd; I shall not want.<sup><o:p></o:p></sup></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 264.0pt; text-align: justify;">
<b><sup>2 </sup>He
maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.<sup> <o:p></o:p></sup></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><sup>3 </sup>He restoreth
my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake.<sup><o:p></o:p></sup></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><sup>4 </sup>Yea, though
I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou
art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.<sup><o:p></o:p></sup></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><sup>5 </sup>Thou
preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my
head with oil; my cup runneth over.<sup><o:p></o:p></sup></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><sup>6 </sup>Surely
goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in
the house of the Lord for ever.<sup><o:p></o:p></sup></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><sup><br /></sup></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><sup> </sup>Bible in one year:</b><b><span style="background: white; color: red; font-family: "gabriola"; font-size: 20.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span>Ezekiel 23-24, Psalms 71:1-13<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b></b></div>
<a name='more'></a><b><br /></b>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b>MESSAGE<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Grace is the favour of God to
human beings. It is the demonstration of God’s goodwill towards humankind in
the person of Jesus Christ, and the effects of that goodwill in human lives.
The word is rarely found in the Old Testament but employed frequently in the
New Testament, leading some to declare the New Testament period as the
dispensation of grace. The Christian life is completely dependent upon the
grace of God. God’s grace compensates for human weaknesses in that God shows
Himself gracious in His dealings with human beings. <o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b>John 1:16-17 says:<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b>“And of his fullness have all
we received, and grace for grace. For the law was given by Moses, but grace and
truth came by Jesus Christ.”<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b>God’s grace is abundant (Romans
5:17). This grace is not only abundant but can be exceeding in one’s life (2<sup>nd</sup> Corinthians
9:14). Grace is one way God makes up for our short comings. Grace covers our
human frailties. Through grace, God uses our very limited strength and
resources to do the impossible. This He does by adding His own strength and
resources to ours. </b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b>With grace, your lack, limitations, and defects are fully
covered. When you have exceeding grace, it means God’s provision far exceeds
your need. Grace is in action at those times that the Holy Spirit helps
us to pray in accordance with God’s will when we do not know how to pray
(Romans 8:26-27). When you have prayed, fasted and tried without measuring up
to standard, then it is time to fall back on His grace. Grace can be accessed
at varying measures. To some people, grace may be unavailable, to some, only a
little, while some will have it in abundance, and for some others, grace will
outnumber their needs. What level of grace do you have access to? If you want
to access extreme levels of grace, do not frustrate God’s grace that is
currently available upon you, do not waste it and do not become a storage tower
of grace, but rather, be a channel of grace. Always use grace for the purpose
it is given to you. Be gracious to others. Be generous. Live a holy life. 2<sup>nd</sup> Corinthians
6:1 says:<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b>“We then, as workers together
with him, beseech you also that ye receive not the grace of God in vain.”<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b>God does not wish that we
receive His grace in vain; He wants us to be progressive by growing in grace.
God wants us to share His grace with others for them to taste and see that the
Lord is good. May His glory fill the earth, that His name may be praised
forever more.<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Prayer Point<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Father, let Your grace be
sufficient for me. Please Lord; make me a distributor of Your grace.<o:p></o:p></b></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18330021561236640643noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2543426949852360781.post-62346398767091729122016-09-29T08:18:00.000+01:002016-09-29T08:18:16.159+01:00Alone With God (OPEN HEAVENS Devotional)<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b>OPEN HEAVENS Devotional – Thursday
September 29<sup>th</sup> 2016</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b>TOPIC: THE SURE REFUGE<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipNzRpEolJhjPtv_ndqesM0or4HcDjn-PJOMhDuPUuDzP1mIgSZXOAc5EHyQhoPN9KDFITa4Kfq2JGuTOAm6f3QBxNPuD5fbmU16QuBOd_LKGJFCtZRoIXMmbXTSPnPbHuVA9ZTreiS813/s1600/Open+Heavens+2016.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipNzRpEolJhjPtv_ndqesM0or4HcDjn-PJOMhDuPUuDzP1mIgSZXOAc5EHyQhoPN9KDFITa4Kfq2JGuTOAm6f3QBxNPuD5fbmU16QuBOd_LKGJFCtZRoIXMmbXTSPnPbHuVA9ZTreiS813/s1600/Open+Heavens+2016.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Memorize: The name of the Lord
is a strong tower: The righteous runneth into it, and is safe. Proverbs 18:10<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Read: Philippians 2:9-11,<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><sup><br /></sup></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><sup>9 </sup>Wherefore
God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every
name:<sup><o:p></o:p></sup></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><sup>10 </sup>That at the
name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth,
and things under the earth;<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><sup>11 </sup>And that
every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the
Father.<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Bible in one year: Ezekiel
21-22, Psalms 70<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b></b></div>
<a name='more'></a><b><br /></b>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b>MESSAGE<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Refuge is used in the Bible as
a reference to a secure shelter or a place of protection from danger or
distress. A refuge is a stronghold that is commonly used for retreat, healing
and renewal. Ultimately, refuge is a common metaphor for God in the Bible. 2<sup>nd</sup>Samuel
22:3 says: <o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b>“The God of my rock; in him
will I trust: He is my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my high tower, and
my refuge, My saviour; thou savest me from violence.”<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b>In effect, God is our
fortress, a strong tower, a rock of defence, our shield, a shade of protection,
and a shelter in the time of storm. He is Mighty to deliver, Mighty to save,
the Mighty man in battle and the Lord of hosts. What a father does goes a long
way in affecting the life of a child. Our Heavenly Father does not only
neutralize weapons designed against His children, He also protects them from
harm. Here is a story I have shared severally: In the 50’s while I was still
very young, we had mining activities going on in my village and the roads were
very narrow. Nigeria was still under colonial rule then. Normally, white men
came in a jeep to collect the gold that the miners got. They were so powerful
in those days that the villagers believed that if they killed your child, you
have to tell them “thank you” so that you will not be sent to prison; they were
dreaded. </b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b>One day, my sister and I were returning from the farm when we
suddenly heard the sound of a jeep coming at top speed. My sister immediately
grabbed my hand and we both jumped out of its way, landing in an empty mine
pit. We barely escaped the jeep but before we could heave a sigh of relief, we
found ourselves before a snake. Because our Father can preserve lives, I lived
to tell the story. In Luke 10:19, God empowered all believers in Christ
over snakes, scorpions, power of the enemy, and over demonic agents and all
their activities. I prophecy in the Name that is above all other names, God
will protect you and defend everything that is yours this season in Jesus’
name. Psalms 20:7-8 says;<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b> “Some trust in chariots,
and some in horses: But we will remember the name of the Lord our God. They are
brought down and fallen: But we are risen, and stand upright.”<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b>The Word of God is
trustworthy, reliable and dependable. Whatever you may be passing through,
trust in God and call upon His name today, He will give you peace all round. <o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Prayer Point<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Father, thank you for being my
hiding place and my refuge, please keep me secure for the rest of my life in
Jesus’ name.<o:p></o:p></b></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18330021561236640643noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2543426949852360781.post-87359495665929577112016-09-28T09:10:00.000+01:002016-09-28T09:10:31.751+01:00Alone With God (OPEN HEAVENS Devotional)<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b>OPEN HEAVENS Devotional – Wednesday
September 28<sup>th </sup>2016</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b>TOPIC: NO STOPPING, NO WAITING<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipNzRpEolJhjPtv_ndqesM0or4HcDjn-PJOMhDuPUuDzP1mIgSZXOAc5EHyQhoPN9KDFITa4Kfq2JGuTOAm6f3QBxNPuD5fbmU16QuBOd_LKGJFCtZRoIXMmbXTSPnPbHuVA9ZTreiS813/s1600/Open+Heavens+2016.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipNzRpEolJhjPtv_ndqesM0or4HcDjn-PJOMhDuPUuDzP1mIgSZXOAc5EHyQhoPN9KDFITa4Kfq2JGuTOAm6f3QBxNPuD5fbmU16QuBOd_LKGJFCtZRoIXMmbXTSPnPbHuVA9ZTreiS813/s1600/Open+Heavens+2016.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Memorize: And let us not be
weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.
Galatians 6:9<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Read: Philippians 3:13-17,<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><sup><br /></sup></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><sup>13 </sup>Brethren, I
count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those
things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before,<sup><o:p></o:p></sup></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><sup>14 </sup>I press
toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><sup>15 </sup>Let us
therefore, as many as be perfect, be thus minded: and if in anything ye be
otherwise minded, God shall reveal even this unto you.<sup><o:p></o:p></sup></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><sup>16 </sup>Nevertheless,
whereto we have already attained, let us walk by the same rule, let us mind the
same thing.<sup><o:p></o:p></sup></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><sup>17 </sup>Brethren,
be followers together of me, and mark them which walk so as ye have us for an
ensample.<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Bible in one year: Ezekiel
19-20, Psalms 69:22-36<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b></b></div>
<a name='more'></a><b><br /></b>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b>MESSAGE<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Patience and long-suffering
are indispensable virtues for all believers in Christ. In the first place, the
race we are called into can only be run through patience because it is a
marathon. </b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Also, there is hardly any promise of God that can be fulfilled in the
life of believers without the combination of faith and patience (Hebrews 6:12).
As indispensable as faith is to a Christian, so also is patience. No wonder it
is listed as part of the fruits of the Spirit in Galatians 5:22. Do you
know that when your faith is being tried, God uses that trial to generate
patience in you? This implies that the longer the period of trial, the greater
your level of patience. But, when you fail to handle a particular trial of
faith the way you should, it will not generate the level of patience that it
should. For this reason, many who have gone through trials complaining saw God
as an opposition, and therefore grumbled against Him. In the process, some even
abandon the faith.</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b>This attitude is contrary to
the Word of God as recorded in Hebrews 6:12:<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<b>“That ye be not slothful, but
followers of them who through faith and patience inherit the promises.”<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<b>Children of God must learn not
to be weary in well doing because God has promised us a bountiful harvest if we
faint not. We must completely trust in His superior wisdom to decide the timing
of our blessings. For instance, He knows the end of every line of action even
at the beginning of that action. This is why you must trust His sense of
judgement at all times, because His decisions are not limited to what your eyes
can see today but also what may happen tomorrow. Many years ago, while we lived
in a part of Lagos that harboured several drug addicts and reckless drivers, my
children asked me to buy them a bicycle. When I declined, they failed to
understand. But after we relocated from that part of Lagos some years later,
without a repeat of that request, I bought them the bicycle. If I had obliged
their request the first time, they might not be alive today. God still deals
with us based on what He knows about us today and tomorrow. Be sure that the
Lord will not give you the blessing you are not prepared for, lest it destroys
you. <o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<b>Whenever an expected blessing
is delayed or when faced with difficulties, long-suffering is required to
remain composed. Even when the situation appears hopeless, just take time to
read and study the Bible, asking God to give you a word for that situation.
Grab whatever God says, obey and follow-up with action, then wait for the
result, and you will never be disappointed.<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<b>Prayer Point<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<b>Father, please help me to
patiently wait for your perfect timing in all things in Jesus’ name.<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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